Cosmetic Dermatology

Cosmetic Dermatology is the practice of improving the look and health of one’s skin through medical or surgical procedures, to help people look and feel their best. These procedures range from simple filler injections to help smooth wrinkles and firm sagging skin to laser and cosmetic surgeries that physically change the skin or alter its shape and elasticity.

Anyone who has looked in the mirror and thought of making some sort of improvement to their skin knows something about cosmetic dermatology. Wanting to look your best is a human trait, and there’s nothing wrong with taking advantage of the advanced and efficient treatments that are available in the field of cosmetic dermatology.

A qualified cosmetic dermatologist will be able to address all of your anti-aging and appearance improvement concerns. Patients should remember that although some of these treatments may be widely available, they are still medical procedures and do carry some risk. Expert counseling and the ability to confidently manage any complications that may arise are just two of the many reasons to seek out a board certified dermatologist for these treatments.

Cosmetic dermatology treatments are typically elective procedures and are not covered by insurance. At MidState Skin Institute, we work with you to create an individualized plan that will ensure that you get maximal results for your budget. To help make your cosmetic goals achievable, we are pleased to offer patient financing options, including low and even zero interest rate alternatives.

Botox/Dysport/Xeomin

These are all brands of neurotoxins. They are injectable treatments used for the rejuvenation of the skin. A purified protein is injected into the skin in order to relax the muscles that form facial expression, and the results typically last for three to four months. The procedure is quick and very well tolerated. Botox®, Dysport® and Xeomin®, are FDA-approved for treating the glabellar area, which is the area between the eyes where wrinkles form. These injectables are also used off-label to treat other problem areas, like crow’s feet around the eyes, smoker’s lines around the mouth, a dimpled chin, creased forehead, and wrinkles on the neck.

Botox®, Dysport® and Xeomin® not only relax lines that are present, but can also help prevent new lines from getting “stuck” in the skin. These “aging” lines are formed by repetitive facial movements such as scowling and deep thinking.

These cosmetic injections provide great, non-surgical results.

Photodynamic Therapy

PDT is a light-based treatment used for photo rejuvenation, treatment of wrinkles, and acne. Itcan also selectively treat precancerous and cancerous lesions while causing minimal damage to the surrounding normal skin.

Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins

This is the treatment of choice for small yet unsightly clusters of red, blue, or purple veins that most commonly appear on thighs, calves, and ankles. This simple procedure involves injectingthe affected veins with a solution that causes them to fade away.

CO2RE Laser

Life leaves marks from wrinkles to scars. Transform your skin naturally with treatments from the CO2RE laser system.

What is CO2RE? 

From deep wrinkles to sun damage to scarring, skin concerns can undercut your confidence. They can even keep you from embracing life to the fullest. Still, not everyone wants the downtime associated with conventional resurfacing procedures. If that’s you, the answer may be CO2RE laser treatments for face. The CO2RE treatment is non-invasive and hormone-free, and can be done right in your doctor’s office. With the CO2RE treatment, younger, smoother skin is possible.

How does it work?

Lasers may sound futuristic, but CO2 laser resurfacing has been around for a long time. A treatment from the CO2RE fractional laser is fast with minimal downtime. The latest innovation in lasers is a big leap forward because it simultaneously works on the surface and beneath your skin. It treats a fraction of the skin at a time, making precise, microscopic wounds. As they heal, your body naturally produces collagen and healthy new skin cells.

Benefits

CO2RE treatments are clinically proven to improve the appearance of:

  • Fine lines and deep wrinkles1
  • The effects of sun damage, including age spots
  • Skin tone and texture
  • Baggy eyes*

Lasting, noticeable results:

  • Surgical scars
  • Burn scars
  • Acne scars
  • Skin tags
  • Sebaceous Hyperplasia (small, skin-colored bumps)

Experience dramatic improvements in:

  • Milia (small, non-inflamed cysts)
  • Skin tags
  • Sebaceous Hyperplasia (small, skin-colored bumps)
  • Warts

*May require surgical blepharoplasty

Is CO2RE for me?

Ideal candidates for CO2RE treatments have fine lines, furrows and other types of deep wrinkles, discoloration, rough texture (acne scars), age spots, or skin damaged by exposure to the sun. It is ideal for anyone seeking younger-looking skin without the long downtime associated with conventional resurfacing procedures. You need to schedule a consult with our provider about your complete medical and skin history to minimize the potential for any negative reactions.

What is the CO2RE procedure like?

You can expect some moderate discomfort during the treatment, but the anesthetic applied before the procedure typically makes any discomfort tolerable. Pain and other prescription options can be reviewed in your consult.

How many treatments will I need?

Our patients see the difference they want after only one treatment. In the days after the treatment, your skin will gradually look softer and smoother, with less unwanted pigmentation. The fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and uneven texture will start to show improvement.

What can I expect after my procedure? 

Immediately following the procedure, you can expect a sensation similar to a sunburn, lasting several hours. There is a possibility of redness and swelling post treatment. You can expect peeling of dead skin from the treatment area. This is a natural exfoliation process that may last 10-14 days.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are substances that are injected into the skin to replace lost volume. Typically, lost volume comes from aging. At MidState Skin Institute, we use products we feel are best engineered and give the best results. These products include Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane, Radiesse, and Sculptra.

Dermal fillers are used predominantly to fill lines around the mouth, but they are also used off label to treat cheeks, lips, tear troughs, marionette lines, temples, chest, forehead, ears, hands, and other locations. In general, a filler injection procedure results in no downtime and the changes are seen immediately after injection.

Hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane and Belotero are popular because they can be dissolved should a complication arise. When having a dermal filler injection procedure, it is important that the dermatologist evaluate the entire face and balance the outcome. If the filler is concentrated in one area, it may make the face look unnatural. Therefore, it is important to have
a filler injection performed by an experienced professional.

When fillers first came on the market, “line filling” was popular. Line filling was the practice of injecting fillers into visible line areas only. Over time, the standard of care has evolved and today professionals focus on “pan facial volumization”, or the injection of fillers into the face in a way that creates natural and balanced appearing volume. As we age, our temples become hollow, our cheeks become sunken, and our chins become less prominent. Replacing lost bone and fat with filler substances can create a more youthful contour to the face. Fillers are used in patients of all ages.

For younger patients, the focus of dermal fillers is often augmentation, which means enhancing a naturally occurring feature, like making lips fuller and thicker. Fillers can also be used to help minimize the visibility and contours of acne scars and to improve the contour of a patient’s profile. When a dermal filler is injected into the nose, it can change the shape of the nose and make it more aesthetically appealing.

For older patients, the focus of fillers is on correction and restoration of lost volume from aging.

Patients of all ages can benefit from the scientific advances in filling agents, which allow for comfortable, safe volume replacement or augmentation.