 |
Services
(Click the links below for more
information)
Acne Phototherapy
What is ALA?
ALA is short for Aminolevulinic acid and it is a clear solution that is
applied to the skin during the treatment. ALA occurs naturally in the
body and it is involved in the synthesis of hemoglobin. ALA is
preferentially absorbed by abnormal skin cells and therefore causes no
damage to normal tissue.
How does PDT work?
When the skin absorbs the ALA it coverts it to a natural photosensitizer
called Protoporphyrin IX (Pp IX). The skin is then illuminated with the
light source and this begins the Photodynamic process of singlet oxygen
production. The release of the singlet oxygen from Pp IX destroys acne
causing bacteria and shrinks the sebaceous glands for long lasting
results.
What can I expect?
- The technician will do an aggressive
acetone scrub, using cotton squares, on the area to be treated. Then
ALA will be applied using a paint brush. The ALA will incubate for
30-60 minutes. After the incubation period, you will wash off the ALA
and the SpaTouch machine will be used to administer light and heat,
over about 15-20 minutes.
- Subsequent treatment sessions may
need longer incubation times depending on the patient's response and
tolerance to redness and peeling.
- After the treatment is completed you
must remain completely out of the sun for 24 hours because sunlight can
further activate porphyrin.
- You may get a sunburn like reaction
and experience some mild discomfort. Red, chapped and/or peeling skin
may continue for a few days after the treatment.
- Shortly after the first few
treatments you may have a substantial breakout. The treatment is
bringing out the acne forming deep below the surface of the skin. It's
important to note that no new acne is being created.
- You will be given more details in
the Consent Form and Aftercare Instructions at the time of your first
appointment.
How many treatments will I need?
To achieve maximum improvement in your acne, 4 PDT treatments are
recommended. It is important to note that you will continue to see
improvement in your acne long after the fourth treatment is completed.
How effective is Photodynamic Therapy at treating acne?
In worldwide clinical experience, phototherapy with SpaTouch LHE has
been shown to successfully treat moderate to severe acne vulgaris with
all skin types, in males and females of all ages, and with results
lasting on average 6-12 months, often longer.
(
Back to top menu )
Precancerous Phototherapy
What is an Actinic Keratosis?
Actinic Keratoses (AKs) are rough, scaly patches on the skin, caused by
excessive exposure to the sun, that can sometimes progress into
dangerous skin cancers. Many doctors believe that AKs and squamous cell
carcinomas (skin cancer) are really the same condition at different
stages of a continuing process.
How long has Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) been around?
ALA/PDT technology has been around for more than 20 years. It was
approved
by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of Actinic
Keratoses in 1999.
What is ALA?
ALA is short for Aminolevulinic acid and it is a clear solution that is
applied to the skin during the treatment. ALA occurs naturally in the
body and it is involved in the synthesis of hemoglobin. ALA is
preferentially absorbed by abnormal skin cells and therefore causes no
damage to normal tissue.
How does PDT work?
When the skin absorbs the ALA it coverts it to a natural photosensitizer
called Protoporphyrin IX (Pp IX). The skin is then illuminated with the
light source and this begins the Photodynamic process of singlet oxygen
production. The release of the singlet oxygen from Pp IX destroys the
cell membrane of the targeted cells.
What can I expect?
- You will be given a series of three
treatments, about two weeks apart.
- The technician will do an aggressive
acetone scrub, using cotton squares, on the area to be treated. Then
ALA will be applied using a paint brush. The ALA will incubate for
30-60 minutes. After the incubation period, you will wash off the ALA
and the light source will be used to administer light and heat, over
about 15-20 minutes.
- Subsequent treatment sessions may
need longer incubation times depending on the patient's response and
tolerance to redness and peeling.
- After the treatment is completed you
must remain completely out of the sun for 24 hours because sunlight
can further activate porphyrin.
- You may get a sunburn-like reaction
and experience some mild discomfort. Red, chapped and/or peeling skin
may continue for a few days after the treatment.
- You will be given more details in
the Consent Form and Aftercare Instructions at the time of your first
appointment
( Back to top menu
)
Aging
and Sun Damaged Skin
 The Ravages of Time and the Sun
Although it is not possible to turn back the hands of time, its effects
can be dramatically slowed down and improved with the arsenal of
procedures and techniques available to the dermatologic surgeon.
The natural aging process generally produces lines and wrinkles, age
spots, splotches and pigmentation problems, broken capillaries, dull
skin texture and color, and other skin flaws. Also, a once-attractive
mole or birthmark may change into an unattractive protrusion.
Sun-damage compounds the aging process. Ultraviolet light from the sun
penetrates not only the outer layer of skin, but also those layers
underneath which fortify the skin and lend it resilience.
Anti-aging creams and topical products are usually used to treat the
milder symptoms of aging such as damage to the skin's uppermost layers.
For more advanced signs of aging and sun-damage, the dermatologic
surgeon can choose methods best suited to your individual skin
condition. Following are some categories of treatment to refine your
appearance and make your skin look and feel healthy and attractive.
Corrective Procedures
Soft Tissue Fillers
Soft tissue fillers involves injecting a filling substance under the
skin. It is used to "plump up" or contour and correct wrinkles, furrows
and hollows in the face. Filling substances include Restylane (hyaluronic
acid) and related materials. More information on Restylane
and fillers.
Botulinum Toxin
Botulinum toxin type A is a muscle blockade that is injected in very
tiny amounts into specific muscles to treat and improve lines, wrinkles
and furrows associated with facial expression. Its use for cosmetic
purposes and for eyebrow positioning is "off-label" use of a FDA-cleared
drug. More information on Botox.
Non-Ablative Resurfacing
Non-ablative resurfacing has several of the benefits of traditional
laser resurfacing without wounding the top layers of the skin, providing
rapid postoperative healing. One relatively new treatment option to
rejuvenate aging and sun-damaged facial skin is to employ Photodynamic
Therapy. This treatment utilizes a drug called Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA)
which occurs naturally in the body and it is involved in the synthesis
of hemoglobin. ALA is preferentially absorbed by abnormal skin cells and
therefore causes no damage to normal tissue. When the skin absorbs the
ALA it coverts it to a natural photosensitizer called Protoporphyrin IX
(Pp IX). The skin is then illuminated with the light source and this
begins the Photodynamic process of singlet oxygen production. The
release of the singlet oxygen from Pp IX destroys the cell membrane of
the targeted cells.
What to Expect:
- You will be given a series of three
treatments, about two weeks apart.
- The technician will do an aggressive
acetone scrub, using cotton squares, on the area to be treated. Then
ALA will be applied using a paint brush. The ALA will incubate for
30-60 minutes. After the incubation period, you will wash off the ALA
and the light source will be used to administer light and heat, over
about 15-20 minutes.
- Subsequent treatment sessions may
need longer incubation times depending on the patient’s response and
tolerance to redness and peeling.
- After the treatment is completed you
must remain completely out of the sun for 24 hours because sunlight
can further activate porphyrin.
- You may get a sunburn-like reaction
and experience some mild discomfort. Red, chapped and/or peeling skin
may continue for a few days after the treatment.
- You will be given more details in
the Consent Form and Aftercare Instructions at the time of your first
appointment.
Before & After Pictures:
( Back to top menu
)
General
Dermatology
- Acne
- Dermatitis
- Eczema
- Pigmented lesions
- Pre-cancerous lesions
- Psoriasis
- Rosacea
- Skin cancer
- Warts
- Any process involving
skin/hair/nails
( Back to top menu
)
Skin
Cancer
Skin cancer is the uncontrollable growth of abnormal
cells in a layer of the skin. It attacks one out of every five
Americans, making it the most prevalent form of cancer. However, the
majority of all skin cancers can be cured if detected and treated in
time.
There are several different kinds of skin cancers,
distinguished by the types of cells affected. The three most common
forms of skin cancer are:
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma usually appears as raised translucent lumps. This
cancer develops in 300,000 to 400,000 persons each year. Although the
disease does not usually spread to other parts of the body through the
blood stream, it may cause considerable damage by direct growth and
invasion.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is usually distinguished by raised, scaly
reddish lumps or growths. This form of cancer develops in 80,000 to
100,000 persons per year. The disease can spread to other parts of the
body. Approximately 2,000 deaths occur each year from this form of
cancer.
Malignant Melanoma
Malignant melanoma typically first appears as a light brown to black
irregularly shaped blemish. This serious form of cancer results in death
if undetected and untreated. It can spread to other parts of the body
through the bloodstream and the lymph drainage system.
Treating Skin Cancer
The
dermatologic surgeon will select the most appropriate treatment for a
particular skin cancer or precancerous condition from among the
following procedures and techniques:
-
Curettage
Malignant tissue is scraped away with a sharp instrument. This method is
most effective for small, superficial cancers that were not treated
previously. It is often followed by destruction of the cancerous tissue
with an electric needle.
-
Surgical Excision
Surgical excision, or cutting into the skin and removing the growth. The
skin is then closed with stitches.
-
Cryosurgery
Liquid nitrogen is applied directly to the skin to freeze cancerous
tissue, in a more aggressive fashion than treating pre-cancerous growths
-
MOHS Micrographic Surgery
Excision of a tumor and its surrounding skin with the aid of a
microscope. This method allows the dermatologic surgeon to trace the
outline of a cancerous growth, layer by layer, with exceptional
accuracy. For more information please visit the website for the
American Society for MOHS Surgery.
( Back
to top menu )
BOTOX / FILLERS
Botulinum Toxin Treatments:
Wrinkles and Frown Lines
Frown lines are the result of gathering or knitting the
tissue between the eyebrows into a fold. These unattractive folds and
furrows are caused by the repeated action of underlying muscles
associated with facial expression. Years of squinting and frowning tend
to leave deep wrinkles in the skin between the eyebrows and on the
bridge of the nose, across the forehead, and at the corners of the eyes.
On many people, frown lines produce an angry or sad look that detracts
from a pleasant facial appearance. These lines can now be improved
without surgery and without scars by a simple injection of botulinum
toxin type A.
What is Botulinum Toxin?
Botulinum toxin is a purified toxin and, when given
orally in large amounts, it blocks the nerve signals from the brain to
the muscle, causing a generalized paralysis called botulism.
However, by injecting very tiny amounts into a specific facial muscle,
only the targeted impulse of that muscle will be blocked, causing a
local relaxation and weakness. In this way, botulinum toxin acts as a
muscle blockade to immobilize the underlying cause of the unwanted lines
and prevent "wrinkly" expressions.
Botulinum toxin has been used since 1980 to treat many muscle disorders,
such as lazy eye, eye ticks and uncontrolled blinking. Pioneered by
dermatologic surgeons in 1987, the use of botulinum toxin for cosmetic
purposes is an "off-label" use of a FDA-cleared drug.
Treatment Areas
Botulinum toxin is injected directly into the target
muscle to treat vertical lines between the eyebrows and on the bridge of
the nose, the squint lines or crows feet at the corners of the eyes, the
forehead horizontal lines, and the platysmal muscle bands often visible
on the neck, commonly known as turkey neck. It may also be used for
eyebrow positioning. Once the muscle is weakened and relaxed, it cannot
contract. Since there is no way to make the undesirable facial
expression, the lines gradually smooth out from disuse, and new creases
are prevented from forming. Other muscles like those needed to raise the
eyebrows are not affected so a natural expression is maintained.
Botulinum toxin may not be as effective on the smile lines around the
mouth because the muscle action in this area is needed for expression
and important functions like eating.
Botulinum Toxin Therapy
Treatment involves injection of very small amounts of
botulinum toxin into the underlying muscles to immobilize them. The
actual treatment is well tolerated and takes just a short time with
minimal recovery. Botulinum toxin takes effect about 3 to 7 days after
treatment. The improvement generally lasts about 3 to 4 months before
the effect gradually fades and muscle action returns. It is anticipated
that the average patient will require reinjection at various intervals.
With repeated treatments, atrophy (thinning) of the muscle may occur
which usually produces longer-lasting results.
Other Applications
Excessive sweating can be alleviated with injections of a
highly diluted form of botulinum toxin directly into the underarm skin
or skin on the palms and soles of the hand or foot. There it paralyzes
the sweat glands of the skin which are responsible for excessive
perspiration. A single treatment session can provide months of relief,
and experts believe that injections can be repeated indefinitely once or
twice a year to maintain dryness.
Side Effects
Side effects are minimal and typically relate to the
local injection. Soreness or mild bruising, while uncommon, may occur
around the injection site. Makeup may be worn after treatment, but care
should be taken to avoid pressing or massaging the area for several
hours. In rare instances, patients may develop temporary weakness of the
neighboring muscles, a temporary droopy brow or eyelid, or a headache.
Restylane
Restylane was approved
by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2003, for use
as an injection to help correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and
folds, including the lines between the nose and mouth.
Restylane is a unique FDA-approved dermal filler made of a biodegradable
non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA™). Upon being injected
beneath the skin's surface, the NASHA gel adds natural volume and lift
to smooth wrinkles and folds. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance
found in all living organisms and provides volume and fullness to the
skin. Restylane does not require any allergy or skin test prior to
injection. For more information see the Restylane website at
www.restylaneusa.com.
( Back to top menu
)
M.D. FORTÉ®
The M.D. FORTÉ® alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA)
skin care system is based on two decades of glycolic acid research
resulting in products with higher AHA levels than similar products,
giving you the strength to deliver beautiful results-without irritation.
AHAs shed, or exfoliate, dead cells of the dry outer layer of the
epidermis, which results in the appearance of younger, healthier-looking
skin.
AHAs also limit transepidermal water loss, thereby improving the skin's
moisture-binding ability. Skin that retains more water becomes smoother
and younger-looking, and diminishes the effects of sun damage.
Glycolic acid, naturally found in sugar cane and available in M.D. FORTÉ®
products, is a particularly effective form of AHA. This is because its
small molecular size means more active molecules of glycolic acid are
available in a given concentration as compared with lactic acid and
polyhydroxy acid (PHA). The result? More activity for faster delivery of
unique benefits when and where they're needed most.
However, while glycolic acid helps shed dead skin cells and hydrate the
skin, it can also cause irritation. In fact, the higher the
concentration of glycolic acid, the better the results-but the greater
the irritation too.
M.D. FORTÉ® is unique in that it achieves a healthy balance between
concentration and comfort, maximizing the advantages of glycolic acid
with minimal irritation.
( Back to top menu
)
  
Content ©2005
American Society of Dermatologic Surgery |
