Nonsurgical Procedures
LASER RESURFACING
A smoother and more even-toned complexion can be attained with laser resurfacing. The best candidates are those with fair, healthy and non-oily skin. You will see results for conditions such as:
- Fine lines around the eyes
- Vertical lines around the mouth
- Facial scars from acne or injuries
- Areas of uneven pigmentation including age spots
- Lines on the cheeks from sun damage
Laser resurfacing procedures use a laser beam (energy) to vaporize the upper layers of damaged skin. The depth of penetration is accurate secondary to computer control of the beam. During healing, new skin cells grow from the remaining deeper layers to give you smoother and tighter looking skin.
Other options are available and will be discussed by Dr. Spies including Retin-A treatments, chemical peels and dermabrasion. These are lighter resurfacing procedures that may need to be repeated in the future but do offer quicker recovery times.
Laser resurfacing is performed under general anesthesia at an outpatient surgical center. Sometimes, sedation anesthesia can be used if only parts of the face undergo the procedure. It usually takes 7 to 10 days to complete the resurfacing process. For the next 3 to 4 weeks, your skin will look bright pink or red which will fade over several months. Makeup can be applied to conceal the redness after the first two weeks.
Most patients will see a significant difference in the tone and texture of their skin. Although the results will be long lasting, Dr. Spies does recommend continuation of skin care products and sun protection to maintain the results.
INJECTABLE FILLERS
Visible signs of facial aging occur as a result of sun exposure, life style and hereditary factors. Skin will slowly lose structure and volume which results in the development of wrinkles and loss of facial fullness. Injectable fillers can plump thin lips, correct wrinkles and improve recessed scars including acne scars. They also soften facial lines and creases including the line from your nose to the corner of your mouth (nasolabial fold). Our office registered nurse, Carol, has extensive experience with all of the available dermal fillers.
Restylane and Perlane are cosmetic dermal fillers used to smooth away moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. Each is made from hyaluronic acid (a natural substance found in our bodies) but differ in gel particle size. Restylane is the world's most used and studied dermal filler. Both products give results that last about 6 months.
Juvederm is a smooth gel filler also made from hyaluronic acid. The production technology creates a high degree of cross-linking that promotes a long duration of its effect. It is the only hyaluronic acid dermal filler that has FDA approval for lasting up to one year.
BOTOX
Wrinkles including frown lines are caused by overactive facial muscles. Static wrinkles are visible at all times whereas dynamic wrinkles are expression lines that deepen with facial movements. Both types of wrinkles can be improved with Botox Cosmetic injections. Botox is a purified protein that temporarily improves the appearance of skin lines and wrinkles in some areas of the face. It is injected directly into the facial muscles that cause those lines and wrinkles blocking chemicals in the muscles that cause movement. Its effect differs from dermal fillers in that fillers add volume to skin above the muscles but do not affect the muscle itself. Botox is the most popular cosmetic procedure performed by physicians in the United States.