Questions For Your Dermatologist About Icon Treatments | Southlake, TX

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The Icon aesthetic system is a multi-purpose platform with seven hand pieces, each designed to tackle a particular skincare issue. From hair removal to wrinkle reduction and skin resurfacing through state-of-the-art cooling and fractional laser use, the Icon can take care of nearly every skincare issue you raise with your dermatologist.

What can Icon treatments be used for?

The Icon Aesthetic System from Palomar offers fast, significant results for a wide variety of skincare treatments. Some of the more popular treatment services your dermatologist in Southlake, TX, can provide you with include:

  • Pigment clearance
  • Wrinkle reduction
  • Hair reduction
  • Stretch mark reduction
  • Acne scar reduction
  • Leg vein clearance
  • Skin resurfacing

The Icon system has various hand attachments that can be used, depending on the resurfacing treatment required. In particular, the Icon 2940 is designed to effectively reduce wrinkles, age spots, brown spots, caused by either natural aging or excess sun exposure.

Is an Icon treatment classed as a surgical procedure?

No, Icon treatments provided by your dermatologist are not classed as surgical treatments.

What is the average recovery time?

Since the Icon system utilizes a fractional laser, the recovery process is much less intensive. Fractional lasers focus the intense heat energy in specifically targeted areas, avoiding the healthy surrounding tissue, which means the healing process is much quicker than with other treatments—the average recovery time is between 10-14 days.

Is there anything I should avoid before undertaking an Icon treatment?

Before undergoing an Icon treatment at your local dermatologist office, we may ask you to prepare in the following ways during the lead-up to to your appointment:

  • Avoid excess sun exposure
  • Avoid using tanning products
  • Decrease your alcohol intake
  • Discontinue the use of harsh skin care products
  • Avoid drinking or eating for 6 hours before your treatment

Of particular importance is the discontinuance of chemical skincare peels, aggressive scrubs, and other harsh skincare routines, though topical moisturizers and other products such as sunscreen may still be used. Sunscreen is vital if you’re unable to decrease sun exposure before your treatment occurs.

What if I’m using a prescription topical acne treatment? Can I still have Icon skin treatments done by my dermatologist?

Before proceeding with any skincare treatment, you should make your dermatologist aware of any topical treatments you’re using on the areas you wish your Icon treatment to target if they aren’t already aware of them. Your skin should be assessed before the booking occurs, as a medical professional will need to determine the appropriate wait time.

We prefer to treat healthy, non-irritated skin. If you’re using anything that causes your skin to be dry, flaky, or irritated, then a waiting period of 1-2 weeks after discontinuing use of the product that has affected your skin may be recommended. It does not mean that you won’t qualify for treatment.

I’m taking antibiotics. Can I still get Icon laser treatments?

If you’re taking antibiotics, your dermatologist may wish to perform test spots before treatment to determine your sensitivity to the lasers used. If the test spot results are satisfactory, you can proceed with your laser treatment of choice.

What can I expect to happen during treatment?

On the day of your treatment, before the laser process begins, your dermatologist will examine, cleanse, and prepare your skin. Local anesthetic or numbing cream may be applied as necessary before the laser targets the chosen area. The laser can target areas of irregular pigmentation, uneven skin texture, wrinkles, fine lines, and other imperfections.

As the procedure goes on, your dermatologist will closely monitor the effect on your skin and make sure the session is both effective and as comfortable as possible for you. Once the skin treatment has finished, soothing ointment or serum should be applied to help ease initial discomfort.

How many sessions will I need to book?

As little as one session can provide the results that you need. If more treatment sessions are desired, your doctor will advise on when it’s possible to schedule another skin treatment session. It often depends on how long it takes your skin to recover and your skin’s characteristics.

What can I expect to happen after treatment?

Immediately after treatment, you’ll notice some discomfort. Your skin will feel raw and swollen. The good news is you can safely ease the pain with over-the-counter medications and cold compresses.

Approximately 1-2 weeks after your Icon treatment session, your skin will be healing. You may see scabbing and crusting as the new skin forms. Scabbing is nothing to worry about, and you can often return to work at the end of the first week after treatment. You may find it beneficial to take antibiotics and antiviral medications, which can be prescribed. Keep taking these medications until the course is complete for the best chance at healing. During the first few weeks, try to avoid excess sun exposure.

Beyond the first few weeks, you’ll notice your new skin will remain pink. The pinkness can remain for several months. Wrinkles and other signs of aging will eventually reappear as your new skin ages.

Why choose an Icon laser treatment?

One of the unique features of an Icon laser treatment is that the device has a melanin reader. This state-of-the-art technology is the industry’s only melanin reading device which measures your skin’s melanin index during every treatment. The index helps to determine the ideal settings for your laser treatment so that the laser is safely calibrated to provide the best results possible.

Why choose Compassion Dermatology?

Our skilled skincare team remains actively informed on the latest dermatology research and innovations that will help you to maintain the best skin appearance possible. We trust the results of the Icon Aesthetic System and believe that you should too. In addition to our knowledge and skill, you’ll receive the utmost compassion and care at our Southlake facility that also serves Southlake, TX, residents. Request an appointment with us, and we’ll be happy to discuss any concerns or requirements you may have regarding our advanced Icon laser treatments.

Skin Trouble – 5 Common Skin Problems and Their Cures | Dermatologist in Southlake, TX

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Do you have bags under your eyes? Is your skin starting to acquire fine lines and wrinkles? Has acne been haunting you since you were a teenager?

Skin is a fickle surface that is exposed to various elements in the atmosphere. As a result, residues of dirt and oils accumulate on the skin. Skin problems are extremely widespread in the general population and can be numerous in nature. Since skin problems are so common, you may prefer to treat them yourself. However, even for recurrent and ordinary issues, professional care and consultation is always a better option.

For residents of the Southlake area, there are multiple dermatological options available in case of a skin health issue. You can easily contact a dermatologist in Southlake, TX, to maintain skin health.

The dermatologist will be able to recommend customized treatments based on the severity of your problem, your skin type and tone, your lifestyle, the hormonal balance in your body, and your medical history.

With the help of any dermatologist in Southlake, TX, skin problems can then be easily fixed. Here are some examples of skin problems that may require you to consult a dermatologist.

1. Acne

Pimples and acne are legitimate skin concern for most people. They can be recurring, serious problems or even temporary inconveniences. In any case, the presence of acne is caused by the clogging of oil glands on your skin’s surface.

Acne can refer to whiteheads, blackheads, pus-filled pustules or simply red bumps. These can appear on your face, your back or other parts of your body.

Acne can be very common and are caused by hormonal imbalances or exposure to bacteria, dirt and humid weather.

Because acne is so common, especially in humid weather, you may rely on at-home, daily skincare routines. However, you should always consult a dermatologist in Southlake, TX, before taking steps to implement skincare routine.

Chemical-based treatments, such as masks, should be done after professional consultations because amateur measures may end up damaging the skin even more.

Dermatologists can recommend creams, facials, or long-term treatment to reverse skin damage from acne. They can even use the latest technology to clear out clogged pores.

2. Marks and Scars

Scarring can be a major issue. Marks or scars can result from skin damage due to injury, acne or stretch marks.   Not to worry though, you can contact a dermatologist in Southlake, TX, to reverse or fix skin scarring.

If you have serious scarring especially after a recent injury, it would be smart to seek dermatological care. Any dermatologist in Southlake, TX, can recommend scarring treatments to minimize scarring from a wound.

For acne scars, a dermatologist may call for chemical peels to reverse permanent damage. They may also recommend a skincare regime that will prevent further acne problems.

Stretch marks are caused by the stretching of the skin as body mass accumulates. It can be reversed through skin-tightening or light-based treatments as well as take-home cream-based treatments.

3. Rashes

If you are experiencing a rash or are generally prone to rashes, you must consult with a dermatologist about the status of your skin health.

Rashes can be identified as irritated, red, itchy and swollen skin on any part of your body that suddenly appears after ingesting an irritant or being exposed to it.

Rashes are primarily caused by exposure to irritants or allergens. You can get rashes if you touch a germ-infested surface or cat hair, for instance. Dermatologists can identify the cause of rashes and provide you with measures to treat and prevent them.

Rashes can also be caused by plants like poison ivy in which case dermatological care and creams should be sought immediately.

Leaving rashes to their own devices may cause unnecessary skin damage. Rashes and skin damage from rashes should be immediately treated by any dermatologist in Southlake, TX.

4. Skin Aging

Skin aging can happen with the passage of time as fine lines and wrinkles show up. What’s more is that it can happen prematurely if the skin has been exposed to the sun or dry weather.

Any dermatologist in Southlake, TX will tell you that skin aging is preventable as well as reversible. Most skin aging problems happen due to neglect, especially if you do not use sunscreen or moisturizers.

The use of dermatologist-approved eye creams and anti-aging formulas and treatments can go a long way in preventing fine lines and wrinkles.

Professional measures like Icon Aesthetic System and Micro-needling can reduce wrinkles, as well. Furthermore, dermatologists use facials and Botox treatments can also reduce the presence of fine-lines and wrinkles.

5. Dark Spots

You may notice that there are dark spots on your body in certain areas. Dark spots may symptoms of internal health problems like hormonal issues.

As a result, dermatologists in Southlake, TX, will tell you dark spots are not to be taken lightly and should be diagnosed as soon as possible. Dark spots might also be a sign of weathering. They can occur as a result of daily skin neglect while outside, leading to sun damage.

Dark spots can also be caused by reactions to different skin products. Discoloration on your underarms, for example, can be a result of reactions to hair removal techniques or deodorants. Furthermore, dark circles may occur under the eyes if you do not drink enough water or get enough sleep. They are often temporary and may just require some creams and sleep.

They may also be hereditary and permanent, as well. If that’s the case, you may require injections and long-term treatments.  A dermatologist in Southlake, TX, can easily provide facial treatments and care for any of these concerns.

Seek Professional Help

If skin problems like dark spots are landing you in a dark spot, it might be time to seek professional help. Dermatology can prove crucial to your skin’s health and recovery. Regular appointments and treatment options can reverse the effects of skin problems like acne, dark spots or wrinkles. If you are seeking a dermatologist in Southlake, TX, you can contact Compassion Dermatology at 817-380-5911.