Cosmetic Dermitology A La Carte
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Even the Hollywood A-listers are moving away from invasive cosmetic surgery and turning to cosmetic dermatology for a less invasive skin rejuvenation alternative. By combining various treatment that would otherwise have been administered on their own, called "Comprehensive Therapy" or "Polytherapy," patients can get the look they want for less money, less pain, less planning and less downtime.
While the list of options isnt as complicated as a fruit juice bar, it does take a knowledgeable, experienced and skilled dermatologist to know the right combination of treatments for a patients condition and desired results.
Everyone wants to look younger, but let's face it, the stretched look is out. Too often, facelifts may not even get rid of the folds that the patient sought to correct in the first place. On top of that, most people can't afford to set aside the necessary downtime, and certainly don't want to risk a less than perfect outcome that would be permanent.
Thanks to the incredible advancement in lasers and other treatment options, medical dermatologists are able to combine methods to create the look that patients are seeking. Additionally, since polytherapy may give longer lasting effects, patients may not need to come in to the office as frequently as before. These procedures have very few associated risks, so making the decision to go ahead requires a minimal amount of deliberation.
For example, without pulling or cutting, the skin can be tightened and markedly rejuvenated using Genesis Plus, a combination of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and the Nd:YAG laser. The IPL treats the surface of the skin correcting pigmentation and tone, and the YAG stimulates the collagen for new growth, eliminating wrinkles and scars and making the skin more taut. Add to this some Restylane for fine lines around the eyes and perhaps some Botox, and you will look marvelous, young, and, most importantly, natural.
Advances in Polytherapy have opened up endless possibilities for cosmetic dermatologists. The newest and most exciting rejuvenation technique is known as PDT (photodynamic therapy). PDT is designed to achieve similar results to laser resurfacing but without the associated risks. a light sensitizing substance is applied to the skin, and then a laser or light source is passed over the areas to be treated.
Comprehensive therapy not only produces superior results, but the effects last much longer. For example, using Botox or a similar filler substance on it own will produce results that last about three months. However, combining Botox treatment with Restylane, in an area like the frown lines can sustain the look for over six months.
To that point, it's actually pretty rare that one type of tretament on its own will produce the desired effect, which is why there is a trend towards Polytherapy. Still, only an experienced physician truly understands how best to combine the different treatment options, and understands the importance of keeping up with the latest technology.
While the list of options isnt as complicated as a fruit juice bar, it does take a knowledgeable, experienced and skilled dermatologist to know the right combination of treatments for a patients condition and desired results.
Everyone wants to look younger, but let's face it, the stretched look is out. Too often, facelifts may not even get rid of the folds that the patient sought to correct in the first place. On top of that, most people can't afford to set aside the necessary downtime, and certainly don't want to risk a less than perfect outcome that would be permanent.
Thanks to the incredible advancement in lasers and other treatment options, medical dermatologists are able to combine methods to create the look that patients are seeking. Additionally, since polytherapy may give longer lasting effects, patients may not need to come in to the office as frequently as before. These procedures have very few associated risks, so making the decision to go ahead requires a minimal amount of deliberation.
For example, without pulling or cutting, the skin can be tightened and markedly rejuvenated using Genesis Plus, a combination of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and the Nd:YAG laser. The IPL treats the surface of the skin correcting pigmentation and tone, and the YAG stimulates the collagen for new growth, eliminating wrinkles and scars and making the skin more taut. Add to this some Restylane for fine lines around the eyes and perhaps some Botox, and you will look marvelous, young, and, most importantly, natural.
Advances in Polytherapy have opened up endless possibilities for cosmetic dermatologists. The newest and most exciting rejuvenation technique is known as PDT (photodynamic therapy). PDT is designed to achieve similar results to laser resurfacing but without the associated risks. a light sensitizing substance is applied to the skin, and then a laser or light source is passed over the areas to be treated.
Comprehensive therapy not only produces superior results, but the effects last much longer. For example, using Botox or a similar filler substance on it own will produce results that last about three months. However, combining Botox treatment with Restylane, in an area like the frown lines can sustain the look for over six months.
To that point, it's actually pretty rare that one type of tretament on its own will produce the desired effect, which is why there is a trend towards Polytherapy. Still, only an experienced physician truly understands how best to combine the different treatment options, and understands the importance of keeping up with the latest technology.
