Laser-based Cosmetic Procedures | Insight from Your Trusted Southlake, TX Dermatology Specialist

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People often seek dermatology services for skin conditions or other health problems. Skin health is definitely important, but dermatology offers cosmetic services as well. Cosmetic procedures can provide a confidence boost and a lot of excitement.

Two laser-based cosmetic services available in Southlake, TX, include ICON and SculpSure. SculpSure is a noninvasive laser-based procedure for targeting and reducing fat. Icon Aesthetic System is a laser-based suite of noninvasive cosmetic treatments for skin.

Icon Aesthetic System

The Icon Aesthetic System includes many devices in a single machine. Lasers with different wavelengths target blood, water, and melanin. Icon is used for a variety of procedures in dermatology such as scar treatment, facial blood vessel and pigment clearance, leg vein clearance, skin resurfacing, permanent hair removal, and wrinkle or stretch mark reduction.

Skintel Reader and IPL

The Skintel reader in Icon systems is the only FDA-approved melanin reader used in dermatology. It guides treatment by determining skin’s melanin content. Intense Pulse Light, or IPL, is a component of Icon systems used for photorejuvenation therapy.

Photorejuvenation stimulates collagen production to reduce brown spots, redness, and broken blood vessels. It can be used on the neck, arms, chest, hands, and face. Increased collagen also tightens skin, shrinks pores, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.

Most clients have five treatments with 3 to 4 weeks between sessions. Laser and IPL treatment sessions last approximately 20 minutes. No anesthetic is required.

Side Effects

Freckles and brown spots have a darker appearance for a short time after each IPL treatment. Side effects are mild and include skin discoloration, swelling, redness, and bruising. Blisters and scars occur in rare cases. Clients can reduce risk of side effects by avoiding sun exposure for 3 to 5 days before and after each treatment session.

SculpSure

SculpSure was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, in 2017 as noninvasive lipolysis. Lipolysis means “the breakdown of fats and other lipids by hydrolysis.” SculpSure body contouring in dermatology removes pockets of fat that can be difficult to lose through diet and exercise alone.

Invasive procedures such as liposuction and excision surgery, or ‘tummy tucks,’ used to be the only fat reduction procedures available in Southlake, TX. These surgical procedures pose a risk of complications such as blood clots, infection, or adverse reactions to anesthesia.

Noninvasive fat reduction options were limited to topical treatments until the mid-2000s. The results of topical treatments are not comparable to surgical procedures. SculpSure utilizes lasers to melt subcutaneous fat while leaving the skin intact. It is only the second noninvasive fat reduction procedure available in dermatology.

The most popular SculpSure contouring sites in dermatology are the stomach, love handles, inner or outer thighs, back, and the submental area. The submental area is underneath the chin and more commonly known as ‘double chin.’

What to Expect from the Procedure

Clients have a consultation with medical staff to discuss overall goals and determine treatment areas before the first SculpSure treatment session. Bring a list of current medications to the first appointment and tell the doctor about any medical conditions.

Some dermatologists advise clients to avoid blood thinners for a few days before the procedure, but this is different for everyone. SculpSure is not approved for use during pregnancy.

Clients rest in a comfortable, reclined position during treatment at a dermatology clinic. Medical staff mark the targeted treatment areas and apply a SculpSure device. The device is a hands-free heat laser belt containing four applicators.

Each applicator produces a 1060-nanometer diode laser that reaches temperatures between 107.6 and 116.6°F. The lasers heats up fat cells beneath the skin without harming other tissues. Heat is distributed in a feathering pattern so results appear natural.

The SculpSure device alternates heat and cooling effects to avoid burns and enhance comfort. Each treatment session lasts approximately 25 minutes. Clients can have up to four areas treated at once. Some people feel minor pinching or tingling during the procedure. No anesthesia is necessary, and SculpSure is an outpatient procedure at dermatology clinics.

The process triggered by the SculpSure laser is called apoptosis. Heat kills and shrinks fat cells by disrupting the cellular structure. The lymphatic system removes dead cells from the treated areas. Destroyed fat cells should be entirely gone within 12 weeks of the procedure. Repeated treatments to the same area can be done 6 to 12 weeks after the first treatment.

Side Effects and Aftercare

The most common side effects of SculpSure are soreness and stiffness or bruises over treated areas. Numbness or skin sensitivity may occur for a few days after the procedure. There is no recommended down time so clients can resume their normal daily activities immediately.

Many dermatologists recommend 5-minute massages of the treated areas twice a day for 3 weeks after the procedure. Massage encourages lymphatic drainage and reduces soreness and swelling.

Avoid exposure to direct sunlight during the week before the procedure and one week afterwards. Use sunscreen with high SPF during outdoor activities.

SculpSure is classified as a permanent treatment. Eliminated fat cells do not regenerate. Most people notice fat reduction within six weeks and full results are visible 12 weeks after treatment. Cynosure, the company that produced SculpSure, states that one treatment session causes a 24% reduction of fat in treated areas.

Maintaining Results of Cosmetic Procedures

SulptSure produces great results, but it is not a miracle cure. It does not destroy every fat cell in treated areas. The remaining fat cells increase in size when people gain weight after the procedure. Nutritious food, exercise, and a balanced lifestyle are necessary to maintain a healthy weight.

Protect skin from sun exposure and use high-quality skin care products to maintain results of Icon Aesthetic treatment. The helpful medical professionals at Compassion Dermatology in Southlake, TX, can recommend the best products for healthy skin.


Popular Dermatology Treatments | Southlake, TX

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Due to rapidly advancing technology and increased awareness, people are seeking dermatological treatments more than ever before. Social media has normalized many beauty standards that were not that common.

The millennium unveiled a series of possibilities in medical aesthetics, or cosmetic dermatology, which were previously extremely costly and rarely available. Today we see a number of such dermatological procedures becoming popular that are affordable and accessible.

Let’s see whichtreatments are currently shaping the industry.

1.  Laser Skin Tightening

Laser skin tightening is one of the most common dermatology procedures that are non-invasive, pain free, and non-surgical. It is like a facelift that tightens loose skin. However, the procedure can be performed on any part of the body. The popularity and demand for the treatment are growing as it is plain, simple, and highly effective. Most women over the age of 30 prefer this treatment as an anti-aging cosmetic procedure to improve the texture and tone. It gives an instant lift to the skin, removing wrinkles. The procedure works like magic and the recovery time is very little.

2.  Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is preferred by people with issues of acne, blemishes, aging skin, scars, etc. Laser skin resurfacing makes facial skin look healthy and young. This common procedure removes the skin layers from the affected area so that new skin cells appear that make the skin look tighter. The treatment uses laser, which makes it much more feasible than any conventional surgical procedure. It also reduces sun damage.

3.  Probiotic Skincare

Probiotic skincare is a new dermatology phenomenon, which is extremely hyped in the beauty world. Skincare experts suggest that probiotic skincare products, the ones that have microbes and are infused with live bacteria, are actually extremely helpful and effective. They work really well in foster healing as they reinforce the natural barrier in the skin against bad bacteria and balance the pH levels. They also boost skin health and reduce inflammation.Trends are seeing probiotic creams, serums, oils, mists, and masks high in demand.

4.  Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser tattoo removals is another common procedure that is high in demand. The tattoo fashion grew immensely popular in the last decade with people getting trendy tattoos. Now that they are not trendy anymore and with this technology available, people are opting for removal procedures. The laser tattoo removal has turned into a billion dollar industry. Even though the treatment is painful and requires up to 10 sittings over a year, it is still a popular treatment.

5.  Micro-filler Treatments

Micro-filler treatments are part of cosmetic dermatology that hydrates and smoothes the skin. It is a revolutionary procedure that has become highly popular amongst women in their 30s and 40s to fight aging. It works with a small-dose of injections containing Hyaluronic Acid (HA). They are used in areas of the skin where pores are exposed to smooth out their look and lower oil production. It also stimulates collagen production.

6.  Thread Lifts

Thread lifts have long been the secret of Hollywood celebrities’ younger-looking skin. Thread lifts are becoming more common procedures. It is the procedure in which temporary sutures are used to lift the skin. Using a non-surgical procedure, the dermatologist adds a subtle but visible lift by stitching portions of the loose facial skin. These lifts have an immediate visible effect on the skin and have a minimal recovery time.

7.  Laser Treatment for Spider Veins

To many people’s relief, laser treatment for spider veins is becoming more accessible and affordable.Through this treatment, a laser is used to transmit photons in the blood cells of the veins. These photons generate heat and destroy the blood vessel. The best part is that the laser makes it pain free, smooth, and has little or no side effects.

8.  Combination Treatments

One of the common dermatology procedures is combination treatments with medical and cosmetic benefits both. Dermatologists are entitled to many such treatments such as medical spa practices that combine laser skin peels and fillers. It also includes ultrasound skin tightening and others. The purpose is to combine medical and cosmetic surgery procedures and make them simpler. The possibilities of treatments included in these advanced technology procedures are limitless.

9.  Male Clientele

If you think dermatology treatments are only focused on women like before, you are mistaken. The more surprising trend recently is the growing number of male clients. This means that not only the demand for procedures has increased but also the scope of treatments. Dermatologists have to ensure that they are well-aware of dealing with women and men both. Since male skin operates differently, dermatologists who want to widen the scope of their practice need to start learning about male skin needs.

Where Can You Find the Best Dermatologist in Southlake?

Compassion Dermatology offers the best dermatologyprocedures in the Southlake, TX area. They have experts who are trained and specialized in all kinds of treatment methods. They use up-to-date technologies and are prepared to deal with all technological innovations to ensure high-quality medical and cosmetic treatments.

If you are looking for reliable dermatologist service, in the Southlake, TX area contact 817-380-5911 and book your appointment today!