BOTOX® Cosmetic
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a highly purified protein injected into the skin to relax the muscles that cause some kinds of wrinkles. While BOTOX® can treat certain medical conditions, such as excessive sweating, it is most commonly used for cosmetic purposes, primarily to reduce wrinkles on the face and neck. BOTOX® injections are relatively painless, as the needle used is significantly smaller than those used for other injectable fillers.
The best candidates for BOTOX® are men and women seeking an enhanced appearance with fewer wrinkles. In addition, it is important that those seeking treatment are in good physical health, are not pregnant or nursing, and do not have a neuromuscular disorder. People seeking BOTOX® injections should have realistic expectations regarding this procedure’s abilities and should discuss their desired goals with Dr. Gayle beforehand.
Dermal Fillers
When you smile, laugh, frown, or look puzzled, you contract the muscles of your face. Over time, these contractions produce permanent furrows and deep wrinkles in the skin, especially around the eyes and mouth, between the eyebrows, and on the forehead. These lines can make you look older, sad, angry or tired. Dermal fillers can not only prevent you from deepening these lines during natural facial movements, they can also erase these marks of aging, leaving you looking younger and refreshed.
Dermal fillers are FDA-approved and safe for use by most patients. Many of the fillers are made from substances found naturally in the body, or synthetically made to mimic natural substances or stimulate collagen production. These fillers are injected directly into the skin of the targeted area to restore volume and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Dr. Gayle offers patients several different dermal filler options in order to provide the best possible results for their individual needs, including:
- Juvéderm® Injectable Gel
- Restylane®
- Radiesse®
- Sculptra® Aesthetic
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion improves mild to moderate sun damage, scarring, wrinkles and other superficial skin problems. A gentle stream of tiny particles exfoliates the outer layer of skin and provides a fresh, glowing, younger appearance.
Only a small amount of skin is removed, so sensitive areas such as the face, chest, neck, arms and hands can be treated. Results are comparable to a light chemical peel and should be immediately visible. Microdermabrasion is often performed in conjunction with other skin renewal procedures, such as laser treatment and chemical peels. Multiple treatments are recommended for full effect.
Chemical Peel
Chemical peels remove damaged outer layers of skin on the face to smooth texture, reduce scarring, and remove blemishes to produce healthy, glowing skin. There are three types of chemical peels, ranging from mild to strong – alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and phenol – and formula strengths are tailored to each patient. Peels can be combined with other procedures such as facelifts for a younger look.
Laser Skin Rejuvenation
Laser skin rejuvenation is a popular treatment option for restoring aging skin to a smoother and more youthful appearance. This term includes several different noninvasive techniques used to treat wrinkles, sagging skin, brown spots, enlarged pores and more.
Different types of laser treatments are used to treat different skin conditions. Some of the most commonly used procedures include:
- Intense pulsed light (IPL) – Light therapy that penetrates deep in the skin and does not injure the surface, best used to improve skin texture and color
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) – Two-part procedure that makes the skin more sensitive to light and then uses the light to reduce redness, age spots and freckles with minimal downtime
- Non-ablative laser rejuvenation – Used for early signs of aging and requires no downtime
- Ablative laser resurfacing – Heats the skin to reduce deep wrinkles and other signs of aging, but causes a visible wound that requires healing
Results from laser treatments are usually not immediate and can take several months to appear. Several sessions may be needed in order to reach the patient’s desired results, but laser techniques are often effective in completely eliminating age spots and other concerns.