The kind of laser therapy that doctors call profractional resurfacing is an innovative way to change the appearance of the skin’s surface. A laser uses heat energy to disturb the tissues underneath the skin in tiny “microchannels.” The result is that the body produces collagen and other elements to heal the small areas, and the collagen helps to fill in areas of the face and neck, smoothing away signs of aging. Profractional resurfacing is also used for helping out with the visual effects of acne, sun damage or other skin issues.
Besides this kind of laser treatment, cosmetic dermatologists who use profractional resurfacing have a lot of other tools at their disposal. Since every patient is different, doctors do their best to try to craft the best combinations of cosmetic treatments for a particular client. Doctors may not always mix different kinds of treatment, but many are attuned to what specific treatment may be best for any feature of the face.
Hylaform and Natural Dermal Fillers
A product called Hylaform is one of many dermal fillers. These get injected into the areas under the skin to promote collagen. They can be used in conjunction with profractional resurfacing. Hylaform uses hylauronic acid, a natural avian material, while other products may use bovine materials or other organic substances.
Synthetic Dermal Fillers
Another range of dermal fillers include synthetic ingredients. Some patients prefer organic substances for these injections, while others may use a synthetic filler, for example, to make lips fuller or augment a cheek area.
Facial Implants
Some other kinds of treatments involve facial implants. These are surgeries where a silicone-based item is inserted under the skin in order to alter the contour of the face. Facial implants can be combined with other kinds of treatments. They are a lot more invasive than some other popular procedures, and long recovery times, as well as complications and side effects, often apply. However, since the facial implant does not break down over time, the result is often going to be more permanent than going with dermal fillers or other more temporary cosmetic solutions.
In the world of cosmetic dermatology as it applies to the public, one kind of facial treatment has become so popular and familiar that it is known by its abbreviation. The BOTOX® treatment is really the injection of a botulinum toxin that results in some muscle paralysis. That means that muscles in the facial area may be permanently disabled. A Botulinum therapy can be done in conjuction with laser treatment, where the laser is intended to promote a different texture or look for the skin, and the botulinum injection is meant to deal with larger lines or wrinkles on the face that develop over time as normal signs of aging.
The “Combo” – Holistic Treatment Ideas
It’s not uncommon for cosmetic dermatology doctors to suggest a range of treatments in order to fix a set of specific issues mentioned by a client, or to meet a number of “aesthetic goals” that the client has expressed. What’s ultimately important is for the doctor to educate the patient about all of the different risks and benefits that may apply to a specific procedure. Those contemplating different kinds of cosmetic therapy should also tell their doctor about any existing medical conditions or prescription drugs that they are taking, because these might have an effect on the results of the procedure or priest negative medical or drug interactions.
Allergy information is also critically important, since a lot of the dermal fillers and some of the other treatments include materials and anesthesia that can threaten a patient with some kinds of normal allergies.
