Getting a face lift is an invasive and often painful dermatological procedure. Ultherapy offers dermatologists another way to get these results without having to perform surgery. Ultherapy uses an ultrasound in order to help tighten and lift the skin of the face and neck. A dermatologist will use this ultrasound machine to stimulate the tissues of the face below the surface. This can help to speed up the body’s natural healing process. It is very safe, and it won’t leave any of the marks or scars that surgery could. There is always risks associated when having a surgery, such as swelling, bruising or discomfort, so choosing to have Ultherapy by a dermatologist is a less-invasive choice.

After a dermatologist performs this procedure, patients can immediately go about their day. The only caveat to Ultherapy treatment is that the results are not immediate. While surgery gives instant results, this takes some time. Within two to three months, patients will start to see the changes in their face that they have been looking for. It won’t exactly look like the results of surgery, but over six months it can provide significant changes and results to those who don’t want to undergo an invasive procedure.

There is no preparation for the procedure, but dermatologists might recommend over-the-counter medication to make it more comfortable. There will be some sensation that patients will feel while they are receiving the ultrasound. It may feel stronger depending on what area is being worked on, as some places on the face are more sensitive than others. Dermatologists will work to make the whole experience comfortable, and patients enjoy going home after the procedure to see the results. This procedure may need to be repeated over time depending on a patient’s needs.

Many people choose to undergo cosmetic procedures to enhance their appearance and skin texture, elasticity and overall glow. Plastic surgery is incredibly drastic so choosing less invasive procedures that can benefit your goals for your skin may a better option for you. Sculptra is a collagen producing procedure which has been compared to Botox because the process includes injections into the patient’s skin. Dermatologists have given their seal of approval on Sculptra due to the ease of the procedure and the benefits their patients have seen. So, what exactly is Sculptra?

Consisting of Poly-L-Lactic Acid, Sculptra stimulates extra collagen production. Collagen is an element in the skin which gives an appearance of fullness and life. When men and women age certain areas of the face lose the extra collagen which results in a more “sunken” appearance. This tends to happen most under and around the eyes, cheeks and the temple area. Sculptra is to be used in an injected form within the patient’s targeted area and will help correct unwanted wrinkles, folds, and lines.

Sculptra must be administered by a board-certified dermatologist. Although it is FDA approved, the procedure must be done in the dermatologist’s office. This enables maximum light for the doctor to see. Also, before Sculptra is injected, a local anesthesia is administered to reduce any pain. The complete procedure takes approximately 15 minutes. To achieve the best results, Sculptra treatments should be completed 2-3 times.

Today there is a new alternative for varicose veins and spider veins. Dermatologists are using Venefit otherwise known as the endovenous laser treatment to eradicate this unsightly condition with more precision and accuracy than ever before.

Varicose veins result from a stoppage in the circulatory system that keeps blood in the legs from returning back to the heart. The blood pools or collects in the lower extremities, causing enlargement and bumpy irregularities in the skin as well as a dark discoloration. In addition to appearing unattractive, if left untreated, varicose veins can escalate into a more serious condition known as Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), which is permanent damage to the vein valves, causing a leakage of blood to back-flow the vein. The end result of the more serious condition can result in pain, swelling and restricted movement in the limbs. Ulcers may result in advanced proliferation of the condition.

Generally, the elderly are at risk of developing cases of varicose veins due to a lack of circulation and mobility. Serious conditions of varicose veins may cause fatigue or an unusual sluggishness that can affect daily activity.

Persons with varicose veins should contact a dermatologist for a consultation about the Venefit procedure. The treatment itself is minimally invasive, meaning that no surgical methods are used to correct the problem. The condition is treated by the use of a unique radio frequency energy pulse that focuses on the target veins. A precise, localized heat is used to close off the vein by deflation, allowing the accumulated blood to be picked up and transported back to the heart. The treatment, being non-invasive, causes little pain and discomfort to the patient. Patients benefit the most when they seek out the treatment of Venefit immediately rather than let the condition worsen.

What are scars? Scars are the result of the body’s natural healing process. When an injury to the skin occurs, the body forms new collagen fibers to mend the wound. This is what we refer to as scars. These fibers may look different in color or texture from the surrounding skin. Scars do not typically pose a threat to one’s health. However, the inconsistency in appearance may be significant enough that people want to remove the scar.

Types of scars

A scar can result from any injury to the skin including, but not limited to, cuts, incisions, diseases, acne and other skin conditions. There are different kinds, depending on how each individual’s body heals.

Keloids are one type. Keloids are raised, often dark-colored bumps. Too much collagen is produced and the scar grows beyond the size of the wound. Keloids are more common in dark-skinned people.

Similarly, hypertrophic scars are the result of too much collagen, but these are more common where there is a lot of tension on the skin.

Healed skin may also be flat and smooth, lighter in color than the surrounding skin, and it may even be sunken. This occurs when muscle or fat underneath the scar is missing because of a significant injury.

Acne scars can be pitted or depressed. Treatment of acne is important to minimize its long-term effects. Acne scars can be minimized by laser treatment or bleaching creams if discoloration is present. If pitting has occurred, filler injections can fill in the depressions temporarily.

Depending on the type and severity of the scar, it can be treated in many ways. Keloids and hypertrophic scar tissue can be prevented by immediate use of silicone cream or silicone sheets following surgical excision. Another treatment option is steroid injections to reduce the size of the keloid. Topical or injected cortisone or laser scar revision surgery may also prove effective.

Some superficial scars can be treated with laser resurfacing. A laser is used to remove the top layers of the scar until it is flush with the surrounding skin. Microdermabrasion can also be effective on superficial blemishes.

How can you tell what is the best treatment plan for your unique situation? A dermatologist can assess each scar and not only properly identify its type, but offer the best course of action to remove or minimize its appearance.

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