Cosmetic Dermatology

Kybella™

Kybella™ (deoxycholic acid) is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When injected into the fat beneath your chin Kybella™ causes the destruction of fat cells. Once destroyed those cells cannot store or accumulate fat. The treatment is nonsurgical and takes 15-20 minutes per session. The number of treatments needed is customized to achieve your goal, usually 2-3 sessions are required. Results are permanent.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion improves mild to moderate sun damage, brown discoloration, and fine wrinkles. 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 can be performed in conjunction with other skin renewal procedures, such as laser treatment and chemical peels, but by itself is highly affordable and requires only a short time to perform. A series of 4-6 treatments are recommended for optimal results

Chemical Peel

Microdermabrasion | Chemical Peels | Sclerotherapy | Palo Alto CA | Redwood City CAChemical peels remove damaged outer layers of skin on the face, hands, neck and chest to smooth texture, remove blemishes and pre-cancerous growths to produce healthy, glowing skin. There are three different depths of chemical peels: superficial, using alpha or beta hydroxy acids (AHAs) or retinoic acids; medium, using various strengths of tricholoroacetic acid (TCA); and deep, using higher strength trichloracetic acid or phenol. Healing time varies from 2-3 days after a superficial peel to 1 week for a medium peel. Deep peels have largely been replaced by ablative laser resurfacing.

What are the benefits of a chemical peel?

Chemical peels can reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles, age spots, freckles, and blotchiness, as well as improve skin tone and texture by removing damaged layers of skin. Medium depth TCA peels are an excellent therapy for multiple precancerous lesions (actinic keratoses), with results comparable or superior to a course of home treatment with topical chemotherapy, but with a greatly shortened recovery period.

Sclerotherapy

Microdermabrasion | Chemical Peels | Sclerotherapy | Palo Alto CA | Redwood City CASclerotherapy is a procedure used to treat spider veins by injecting a solution into the veins which causes them to gradually disappear. By injecting a salt solution, known as a sclerosing solution, the lining of the veins become irritated and eventually turns into scar tissue that then fades away. This method is the preferred treatment for spider veins and has been used since the 1930s.

This procedure is usually performed in your doctor's office and takes no more than an hour. Most patients need 2 to 4 treatments in order to achieve desired results. There is no downtime other than avoiding strenuous activities for the first 2 to 3 days.

While sclerotherapy is proven as an effective treatment for spider veins, it is not recommended for everybody. Pregnant women and those whose saphenous vein are affected are not typically eligible for this procedure. Sclerotherapy is not effective for large varicose veins and is only recommended for smaller, superficial veins. Talk to your doctor to find out if sclerotherapy is right for you.

Microneedling

WHAT IS MICRONEEDLING?

Microneedling is a safe alternative to common skin resurfacing tools, such as lasers and has minimal  downtime. Microneedling utilizes the skin’s natural repair process to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, it also has a positive effect on uneven skin tone and acne scars-improving the skin’s overall appearance to give you a fresher, younger look. Treatment areas include the face, neck and décolleté.

HOW IT WORKS

The microneedling device is composed of sterile medical-grade stainless steel needles and is used to create controlled micro-injuries to the skin, helping it produce collagen and elastin. This process results in thousands of micro-channels which allow topical gels, serums or platelet rich plasma to be absorbed more effectively, enhancing their effects in deeper layers of the skin.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Before your treatment a topical anesthetic cream will be applied to the skin.

Depending on the size of the treatment area, a micro-needling treatment can last anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes. Most people can return to their normal daily activities immediately after treatment.

The total healing time depends on the extent of the treatment. On average, the skin might be pink 1 to 3 days afterwards, some patients may experience minor swelling and make-up should be avoided for the first 24 hours.

ANTICIPATED RESULTS

Visible changes in the skin can develop over the course of a few days or several weeks after the treatment. Results continue to improve for up to six months after original treatment, as collagen production continues over time.

Please note as well that multiple treatments may be recommended to achieve the best results.

PRP (platelet rich plasma)

WHAT IS PRP?

PRP (platelet rich plasma) is extracted from your own blood.  It is 3-step procedure that involves having your blood drawn, placed into a machine that separates the platelets and then the part of your blood that contains a high concentration of platelets (PRP) is re-injected or applied to the skin.

Orthopedic surgeons use PRP to help athletes recover more quickly after an injury.  In dermatology, PRP is a promising new treatment for hair loss. PRP may also speed up wound healing and is given to patients for younger-looking skin. Your provider injects the high concentration of platelets into your face or scalp, using a syringe or it can be simply applied to the surface during micro-needling or following microdermabrasion.

IS PRP SAFE?

While dermatologists still have some questions, the procedure itself appears safe and there is little to no downtime associated with treatment. For your safety, MDMG follows the same process that transfusion centers use to make sure that your own blood is injected back into you and remains sterile.

HOW LONG DOSE IT TAKE TO SEE RESULTS?

If you get results, the full effects appear within a few weeks to months.

HOW MANY PRP INJECTIONS DO YOU NEED?

Researchers have found that most patients who get results have 3 or more treatments.

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To learn more about our Cosmetic Dermatology services or to schedule an appointment, please contact our office.