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.

6 Cosmetic Dermatology Treatments You Need for Anti-Aging | Tips from Your Southlake, TX Dermatologist

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Cosmetic dermatology helps people age gracefully. The multi-billion dollar industry is helping millions of people look young and feel good about them.

There are many beauty products people purchase for hundreds of dollars. These creams, serums, oils, and other products help reduce the signs of aging. But for more effective and quick results, more and more people, especially women, are turning to cosmetic dermatology.

Cosmetic dermatologists are trained in advanced technology. Laser treatments have become widespread in the industry as they are pain free, effective and have minimal side effects. However, the key is to find the right professional. If done professionally and efficiently, cosmetic dermatology is a safe anti-aging option.

Here are 6 anti-aging dermatology treatments that you can go for. Remember to consult your dermatologist in the Southlake, TX area, before going for any procedure.

1.  Microdermabrasion and Dermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a technique in which a doctor uses tiny, fine particles to remove all damaged and dead cells from the top layer of the skin to give way to new skin cells. The procedure may use a hard diamond-tipped wand, which is pain free. The treatment takes away the dead skin so that new and younger skin cells are regenerated. Consult your doctor to know how many sittings you need. The procedure works differently on every person, depending on a variety of factors such as age, skin type, etc.

Dermabrasion is a similar technique in which a dermatologist sands the skin using a special instrument. The procedure sheds off the dead skin and gives way to new smooth skin. These techniques are used for age spots, acne, dull skin, or scars. The purpose is to treat skin defects and make the skin look younger and fresher. However, the techniques are not preferable for people with dark skin as it can lead to discoloration.

2.  Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing is the most popular laser skin treatment being used in recent times by aging women. The treatment uses a laser beam to reduce facial wrinkles and irregularities. It works by removing skin layer by layer and giving way to new, toned skin. The skin becomes smoother and fresher. Many women with wrinkles and facial lines prefer laser resurfacing as the irregularities make their face look older. However, this procedure is not for those who have dark skin or stretch marks. Consult your doctor before deciding whether the treatment is suitable for you or not.

3.  Skin Firming

The biggest problem with aging skin is that it becomes saggy and droopy. Dermatologists offer treatments such as thermage that use radio-frequency waves deep in the skin, causing microscopic fissures to enhance collagen production. Improved collagen production helps in the skin getting firmer and less saggy. The radio frequency treatment can be used anywhere on the skin, such as face, neck, jowls, arms, and so on. The procedure may take up to six months to one year before results start to show. It may also be painful and clients may need a lot of medications in combination with the treatment. However, the results are highly impressive and permanent.

4.  Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

These Hyaluronic acid fillers are injections that diminish the tiniest face lines and wrinkles into no lines at all. These fillers are approved by the FDA and are extremely safe. They work as the safest and simplest technique to get rid of wrinkles and face lines. These fillers spread out the Belotero Balance all over the area instead of just one place. Your dermatologist doesn’t have to inject the acid deep into the tissue. The needle only penetrates the skin’s top most later, which eliminates chances of bruising. The finest and tiniest lines can be diminished with these small particles. The treatment is perfect for lines around the lips and nose.

Hyaluronic acid fillers work wonders on the nose to correct bumps and imperfections. Since the nose is the most prominent part of the face and the first place where signs of aging start showing, Hyaluronic acid fillers can be highly effective and useful in achieving younger-looking skin.

5.  Photodynamic Rejuvenation

Excessive exposure to the sun causes premature wrinkling and facial lines. It also causes skin pigmentation and abnormal cell growth. Photodynamic rejuvenation is a treatment that they will suggest if you have sun damaged skin. The treatment uses pigment-busting intense pulsed light with aminolevulinic acid, which destroys the precancerous cells developing in the skin. Your dermatologist will recommend the number of sessions based on your skin needs. Combating sun damaged skin is the first step towards anti-aging. This treatment also has many health benefits as it helps fight cancerous skin cells.

6.  Chemical Peels

Dermatologistsalso use a number of chemical peels to fight aging skin. These chemical peels are used to fight discoloration, wrinkles, facial lines, acne, or dull skin. While they are highly costly, chemical peels are effective and long-lasting. They will prepare the chemical peel in accordance with your skin type. These peels help in removing the old damaged skin. The new skin is healthy and younger-looking.

Dermatologist Near You

If you are looking for a dermatologistin the Southlake, TX area, for consultation and anti-aging skin treatments, Compassion Dermatology in the Southlake, TX area is the place for you.

We will take care of your skin needs both medically and cosmetically. Client satisfaction is our priority. With the great new anti-aging solutions, we assure you that you will never have to deal with premature wrinkling again!

If you want to look young again, contact 817-380-5911 today!

Common Laser Skin Treatments | Tips from Your Southlake, TX Dermatologist

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Laser skin treatments are becoming increasingly common as they are widely accessible, mostly pain free, and non-surgical. Some of the common treatments include laser skin resurfacing, skin lightening, and hair removal.

The biggest attraction people, especially women, have with these laser treatments is that they are convenient and help get rid of unwanted facial hair, excessive hair growth, uneven skin tone, sun damage, wrinkles, acne, and a number of other skin issues.

Surgical procedures are not only painful, but they also have long recovery times as compared to laser skin treatments. The truth, nonetheless, is that laser treatments are not the perfect solution either. There are potential risks to laser skin treatments as well. Here are the benefits and risks of the most common laser skin treatments that you need to talk to your dermatologist in the Southlake, TX area, about before opting for laser treatment.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Ablative and non-ablative are two types of skin surfacing methods. Ablative laser skin resurfacing is the treatment in which the top layer of damaged skin is removed and the underlying healthy layer of skin is revealed. This procedure also stimulates collagen production in the skin and is used to improve skin tone and texture.

Non-ablative laser skin resurfacing, on the other hand, is the one in which the laser targets the deeper layer of the sin and fixes broken blood vessels. This helps in improving skin pigmentation and wrinkles.

Benefits:

The reasons why people consider and go for laser skin resurfacing are:

  • It lightens the skin tone and helps in skin whitening. The treatment is also used to even out skin pigmentation
  • The laser helps smooth wrinkles and tightens the skin. The layers that are saggy are shed off and new healthier skin is revealed.
  • The treatment is long-lasting. Both ablative and non-ablative procedures have permanent results
  • The treatment is pain free with little or no recovery time
  • It is non-surgical, which means that clients don’t have to worry about surgery scars, side-effects, or long recovery periods
  • The laser gives the skin a glow as it reduces oversized pores

Potential Risks

There could be potential risks to the laser skin resurfacing procedure. The most effective way to avoid these risks is to ensure that you are going to a professional and skilled dermatologist.

  • If the laser used is too powerful, it will end up causing potentially lasting side-effects. These side-effects can include permanent lightening or darkening of the skin, cold sores, scars, or others. This is why you must ensure that you go to a qualified and experienced dermatologist for the treatment.
  • Possible side-effects could be redness, irritation, or temporary skin discoloration that will require medication. If not cared for properly, the reaction of the laser could get worse.

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is one of the most common procedures for which women visit dermatologists. It is a reasonably easier and simple way to get rid of unwanted hair permanently. Most women find it much more convenient than waxing and shaving. Laser hair removal techniques use electrolysis through which super-fine needles are inserted into the hair follicle to kill the follicle. The procedure is not so painful and is a permanent solution to hair growth. Here are the pros and cons.

Benefits

  • In comparison to other hair removal techniques, laser hair removal is very fast and simple. Even though your dermatologist will tell you the exact number of sessions you need after assessing the target area, skin type, and few other factors, it is usually faster.
  • The results are long-lasting. This is good news for every woman as waxing and shaving are required every few weeks, which can be highly inconvenient. With laser hair removal, the results are long-lasting, such as at least 12 months or more. After a few continuous sessions, there are chances that the hair never grows at all.
  • The sessions are simple and exact. Your dermatologistwill guide you through the procedure, which is usually exact and doesn’t require a lot of time. Theywill work with precision and ensure that the skin around is not damaged.

Risks

  • If your dermatologistis not professionally trained, the laser hair removal can backfire, leaving red spots on your skin.
  • Other risks include swollen or itchy skin.
  • If the laser beam is even slightly misbalanced, it can cause permanent damage to the skin
  • If the skin is exposed to the sun after the treatment, the UV rays can cause cancerous cells to ignite

While the potential risks with laser skin treatments can be reduced or eliminated, one major disadvantage is that these treatments are highly costly. Not everyone can afford these treatments as it costs hundreds of dollars for every session.

If you are looking for affordable and professional laser skin treatments, you can find the best dermatologist in the Southlake, TX area, at Compassion Dermatology.

Our skincare experts are trained and will ensure that the customer is satisfied. We encourage open communication between the client and the consultant so that the client knows what they are going through. Compassion Dermatology in the Southlake, TX area, also ensure that the client is aware of all the potential risks involved. If you are looking for the best laser treatments in Southlake, TX contact 817-380-5911 today!