Botox
Botox treatment is a revolutionary approach to reversing the affects facial wrinkles. Crows feet, worry lines and laugh lines can all be a thing of the past. These are referred to as dynamic wrinkle lines and all are treatable with this procedure. Cosmetic denervation is the process of injecting botox into the tiny facial muscles that create the wrinkles.
Before Surgery
To better understand your overall health, we will evaluate your medical history prior to surgery. In addition, a complete examination of your eyes is made in order to decide the most effective injection sites. All issues and concerns will be discussed.
The areas that will be treated are marked and digital photographs are taken in order to determine the amount of improvement after surgery.
The Botox Procedure
Botox injections are performed without anesthesia because they are virtually painless. Only a very small sting is felt when the injections are made. The effects are not permanent and may need to be repeated two to four times per year to retain the effects. Research has suggested, however, that long term use of the injections leads to a longer duration of each treatment's effect. Patients over the age of 65 may not experience such dramatic results. Botox is only useful in treating expression lines and cannot be used to repair sagging skin caused by aging.
Post-Operative Information
After the operation patients may experience slight bruising around the area that quickly fades. Normal activities can be performed immediately. Possible side effects are temporary weakness of nearby muscles or in rare cases an eyelid may droop. Botox is completely reversible so any side effect is only a temporary condition. The doctor will explain all risks associated at the time of your consultation.
Skin Rejuvenation
A skin rejuvenation program is often used prior to, or in conjunction with, chemical peels or laser wrinkle removal to reduce the fine wrinkles of the face, lighten areas of hyperpigmentation and produce a softer texture to the skin. The program can be accomplished separately or in conjunction with the other procedures listed here. It is followed at home by the patient after a consultation and a treatment plan is established for the patient's cosmetic needs. Our skin care department is dedicated to providing you with the latest and most effective skin treatments available.
We invite you to inquire about laser skin resurfacing and hope it can help you achieve smoother, fresher, younger-looking skin.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peel is helpful for wrinkles, light acne scarring and irregular pigmentation such as freckles and age spots. Pre-cancerous conditions such as keratoses (thick, rough, reddish growths) also respond well to this procedure.
There are several types of chemical peels: Light peels remove superficial wrinkles, medium peels and deep peels are for more severe conditions.
After thoroughly cleansing the skin, a small applicator is used to apply the chemical solution to an area of the face. Excess solution is removed and the procedure is repeated on other areas.
The amount of improvement varies and depends upon the initial condition of the patient's skin. Significant improvement of damaged skin has been achieved, which can produce dramatic results.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
As one of the most exciting and innovative scientific achievements to date, laser technology is being utilized throughout the health care community. Dr. Kolodychak uses one of the newest lasers, the ultrapulse carbon dioxide laser, to treat sun-damaged skin and facial wrinkles in a procedure called laser skin resurfacing.
What is a laser?
The word "laser" is an acronym, which stands for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A surgical laser, such as the CO2 laser, is a beam of light capable of removing unwanted tissue, such as scarred, lined, wrinkled and otherwise imperfect skin. The laser vaporizes skin cells by emitting bursts of radiation that are absorbed by water in these cells. Laser light penetrates to a very precise, controlled depth, making the procedure safe and predictable, while reducing the risk of scarring or pigmentation problems. Laser skin resurfacing is bloodless, and is performed right here in our office under light sedation. As a result of this treatment, you are left with more youthful looking skin.
What areas can be treated through laser resurfacing
The laser is used to reduce tiny wrinkles, acne scars and other minor skin imperfections, especially around the mouth and eyes. It can improve sun-damaged and acne scarred skin problems that often cause concern to both men and women.
Benefits of Treatment
Laser resurfacing can be used as an alternative to chemical peel and dermabrasion. The benefits of using this technique are less pain and a faster recovery time. In most cases, it is less costly.
Before Surgery
Prior to surgery, Dr. Kolodychak and you will discuss the goals for facial improvement. After determining the most appropriate procedure to use, we will fully describe the procedure, what results to expect and the costs. The skin is usually pretreated prior to surgery to improve the healing time.
The Procedure
A local anesthetic is given to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. The area is cleansed and draped. Dr. Kolodychak directs the laser beam toward your skin imperfections. The laser quickly and accurately vaporizes the outermost layers of skin just four or five cells in thickness.
What can be expected?
In most cases, only one treatment is needed. The initial redness fades in a few weeks to a light pink, which can be camouflaged with cosmetics. The discoloration usually disappears in one to three months. The goal of laser resurfacing is to enhance facial appearance. Expectations by the patient must be realistic and results should be anticipated as improvements rather than total corrections. Results of the surgery depend on many factors such as the size, shape and location of the imperfection and the patient's heredity, age and general skin condition.
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