There is no doubt prevention is always better and easier than treatment. Numerous studies have clearly demonstrated that just the use of sunscreen, with no other treatment will cause improved appearance of the photo-damaged skin. During your initial visit, we will discuss appropriate sunscreens for you. Please bring with you a list of the products you are currently using. Please also bring a list of any products that have caused irritation, allergy, or other problems.
Surgical removal of unsightly moles, warts, lumps and bumps can cause dramatic improvement. It can sometimes be done with little or no visible scarring. Even moles that have been present for years can be smoothed to give the skin a better texture. The thick, rough keratoses that appear on all parts of the body can be removed. Red spots can be cauterized or treated with laser. Oil gland nodules can be flattened. Unsightly hanging growths can be removed.
For the fine lines and texture aspects of sun damaged skins, there are several things that are very helpful. Retinoic acid, and alpha hydroxy acids will be discussed. Other agents to lighten and brighten the skin, remove some of the brown spots, tighten the elastic tissue, and help easy bruising are available. A careful evaluation of an individual skin is necessary to determine which of these products may be appropriate. An important part of your initial assessment is to be sure that you are using appropriate surface treatments to your skin. Please bring a list of all the products you are using as cleansers, moisturizers makeup base etc.
The NdYag Laser is a wonderful tool for removing brown spots on the face, hands, and arms. This is the best instrument I have used to remove the "age" spots without any scarring or white spotting. UltraPulse Laser can do a great deal to smooth the lines especially around the mouth and eyes. UltraPulse Laser skin resurfacing can sometimes be used to remove precancerous keratosis and rough spots. UltraPulse can also modify some scars. The Tunable dye laser is useful for facial blood vessels. If there are not too many vessels, I can touch them up with the electrocautery quite satisfactorily.
Chemical peels are very effective in treating photo aging. Depending on the type and strength of the peel we can achieve everything from mild texturing and lightening of brown spots to some removal of wrinkles. The hottest new peels are of surfaces other than the face to remove some of the brown spots and improve texture on the hands and arms. At this time, I am using over 5 different peeling agents to achieve various results.
Derma peel is a non-surgical skin restoration process. This procedure can be performed in our office with little or no discomfort. Derma Peel has commonly been referred to as the "lunch-time" peel because patients are able to return immediately to work with virtually no recuperation period. The procedure is reasonably priced and treats all skin types.
