Cosmetic Procedures

There are many different ways to begin the process of improving your appearance. For some, money is not a deciding factor. For others, options are limited because of finances. Whatever your range, there are options available, from cosmetics and facials to lasers and surgery. Regardless of your age, healthy skin is something everyone wants. Seeing all types of skin in all ages, I hear every type of complaint. "My skin is too oily, too tight, too dry, too baggy, I frown too much, my laugh lines are too obvious, my makeup never feels or looks right. My legs are too dry..." No matter what the problem, we have many techniques and products, treatments and suggestions to help you become more satisfied with your complexion and the overall appearance of your skin.

Here are a few of the procedures available to you through Southern Dermatology:

Botox
Botox
Botox is used for treatment of frown lines on the forehead and for crows feet. Botox is the trade name of Botulinum Toxin Type A, originally used by Ophthalmologists for the treatment of lazy eyes and uncontrolled blinking or twitching. Now it is also used by cosmetic dermatologist for excessive frown lines and crows feet, to achieve a much softer and younger appearance. The physician precisely injects a small amount of Botox into the muscles, controlling the areas of your face causing the excessive frowning or crows feet. The Botox temporarily paralyzes the muscle and the undesired effect of the muscle is stopped. 

The treatment requires about a 15 minute appointment and the effect is evident over the next 5 to 7 days. Botox lasts three to six months and eventually loses it's potency. As the Botox wears off, the muscle regains control. As you notice the frown lines beginning to reappear, call your dermatologist for another injection.

Dr Cook has used Botox in his practice for the last two years and has experienced much success. Patients are quite pleased with their softer features!


C02 Laser

C02 lasers resurface the top layer of skin. The laser is used to remove the top layer, causing the collagen to reform, resulting in a "tightening" of the skins surface. The laser can be used to diminish facial expression creases, wrinkles around the mouth, crows feet, sun spots on the hands or chest, rough uneven skin tone, acne or chicken pox scars and stretch marks.

This procedure can make your skin look smoother and fresher almost immediately.

A reddened appearance may be evident for up to 6 months, which can be diminished with makeup.


Collegen Treatment


Collagen

Collagen is used to "fill up" certain types of lines and furrows on the face. Collagen is very effective in areas around the mouth to smooth frown and smile lines. Collagen can be used to diminish Crows Feet and may be used below the lips as well. Lines and scars are minimized, improving skin texture and smoothness for a softer, more even appearance.


Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is used to help regenerate the epidermal layer of the skin. The procedure is performed in the doctor's office by a trained technician. The skin is cleansed and prepped (no anesthesia is needed), the crystals are delivered using a wand and vacuum combination. The crystals are forced down on the skin and vacuumed away in one sweep across the areas being treated. The result; the removal of dead and damaged outer cells, leaving a difference noticeable to the touch. You can feel a difference the next time you use your make-up. Your skin is softer and smoother. The results are not permanent. For most, the procedure is repeated several times and touched up during the year.


Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is an aggressive resurfacing procedure in which the surface skin is removed allowing new skin to grow into it's place. The recovery time is about two weeks with redness lasting several weeks afterwards. The procedure would require an extensive consultation with your dermatologist.


Laser Hair Removal
Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is used by many who to decrease excessive amounts of unwanted hair. The laser can be used on all parts of the body. Multiple treatments are necessary to maintain long term removal of unwanted hair.


GlycolicPeels
(mini peels)

Glycolics or mini peels are light, safe chemical peels that can be used on the face, chest, back, feet, hands, arms or legs. The purpose is to stimulate the shedding of the compacted dead skin cells. There are many benefits to Glycolic Peels. They help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, decrease dry skin, smooth rough dry skin, lighten dark spots and improve skin texture. Some patients experience mild stinging and swelling but this is temporary if it occurs at all. Glycolic peels are a great addition to a moisturizing facial.


 Sclerotherapy:

Sclerotherapy is a procedure using a sclerosing solution that is injected into unwanted blood vessels. The procedure has been used since the 1930's. The solution is used to irritate the lining of the blood vessel and sclerose or close down the vessel. After a few weeks, the vessel is absorbed and fades, eventually becoming barely noticeable. Some vessels must be injected more than once. Most patients have 60 to 90 percent improvement, but veins should be touched up at 6 months and then yearly after finishing the initial sessions. It may take several sessions initially and usually the sessions are 15 to 30 minutes each.


TCA Peels
Trichloracetic Acid Peeling

Gentle form of chemical peeling for improvement of wrinkles, photo-aging or brown spots. This procedure is intermediate in discomfort (and effectiveness) between the Crystal Peel and CO2 resurfacing or Dermabrasion.


Versa Pulse Laser Treatment for broken facial blood vessels.
Versa Pulse

Versa pulse laser is used to treat unwanted and unsightly facial telangiectasia, (broken veins). Whether you are male or female, you may have noticed broken, red or purple vessels that haven't been noticeable before.

These vessels appear from sun damage, rosacea, pregnancy, contusions or pressure areas. The versapulse laser is a newer treatment to virtually erase those veins. Dr. Cook has experienced great success with this laser for the past several years. The procedures are performed in the office with minimal discomfort. You may experience some swelling in the area of treatment which will diminish in a few days.

Tatoo Removal Tattoo Removal can be done with the Versa Pulse Laser.


Pigmented Lesion Removal
In office Surgery
for
Pigmented Lesion Removal

Unwanted lesions may be removed by surgical procedure in the office.


For at home treatments, there are several avenues to pursue. Our staff can develop a program specifically for your home care regimens, which may include: Retin A, Renova, Kinerase, Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Vitamin C Complex, Glycolic Acid Peels, Anti Oxidant treatments, Natural Peels, Deep Pore Cleansing treatments, etc...


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