Cosmetic blemishes and signs of aging may be very troubling for individuals in the San Ramon, California community, as well as in other communities across the globe. These may be some of the first things to make us feel aged or older and many urgently seek treatment to overcome these conditions safely and effectively. Chemical peels are available at many medical spas and clinics to help patients reduce the appearance of many skin problems such as wrinkles, fine lines, acne, sun damage, etc. There are various depths of chemical peels available depending on the severity of the condition as well as the goals of the patient, so those interested should consult with a specialist in the San Ramon area to help determine which is right for them.

There are several different chemicals used such as glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), salicylic acid, "Jessners" solution, and phenol. Depending on the depth of the peel, a different combination of some of these chemicals may be used. Chemical peels may target only the superficial layer of the skin called the epidermis, or may target the deeper layer called the dermis. Those that target the dermis may involve a more lengthy recovery period, but are generally used for more dramatic results. Deeper peels also carry greater risk of complications associated with the condition.

Very light peels using low potency glycolic acid and 10 to 20% TCA penetrate only the dead skin cells that sit on top of the epidermis. These produce almost no injury to the skin. Light peels may use about 70% glycolic acid and 25 to 35% TCA and are used to injure the epidermis. They are also used to stimulate the regeneration of a new epidermis. Patients may experience burning sensations during this procedure. Next, a medium depth peel may use 35% TCA combined with another chemical (glycolic acid) and are used to injure the upper part of the dermis. This helps to stimulate the production of new collagen. This procedure may involve burning sensations and cool compresses may be used during the procedure. A topical anesthetic may be used as well. Finally, the deep peels injure the middle of the dermis and use a phenol solution. Anesthesia is used during this procedure.

A chemical peel may take about an hour to perform. After a superficial peel, there may be limited effects after the procedure, while medium peels may involve some redness. Deeper peels generally take a few weeks to recover. Depending on the type of peel used, several procedures may be required to reach optimal results. Superficial peels may be performed several times over several months, while deeper peels usually require just one treatment. Repeat treatments may be necessary in the future to maintain results no matter the type of chemical peel used.

There may be some minor irritation of the skin with superficial peels, while risks of deeper peels may include infection, redness, discoloration and scarring. Vital signs must be monitored while performing a deep peel and, as mentioned, anesthesia is used during the treatment. With a superficial peel, there is generally no recovery time required after the procedure. Patients may return to work immediately, which is why some call superficial peels 'lunchtime peels'. Deep peels may require occlusive bandages and the recovery time may last weeks to months.

Learn more about chemical peels in San Ramon, California.

Individuals in Lincoln, Nebraska and around the country with cosmetic and skin care goals have found success through photodynamic therapy—a treatment first used to treat skin cancers. It has been developed over the years for the treatment of various types of cancers and blindness. Recently, it has been used for cosmetic purposes. It has been effective in photo rejuvenation procedures and to treat wrinkles, discoloration, acne and visible veins. The procedure uses a combination of a photosensitizer drug absorbed by certain cells, and a special light source. The combination of the photosensitizer and light source works by destroying the targeted cells. When it is used for the cosmetic purposes listed above, it is first applied to the face and the skin exposed to the light source.

The rapidly growing cells, oil glands and other skin structures absorb the photosensitizer and are subsequently destroyed by the reaction with the light source. This is a new advancement in facial rejuvenation and different methods are in use. Blue light, red light or intense pulsed light may be used to provide treatment. The photosensitizer is left on the skin for a variable period of time. Next, the skin is exposed to the light source and the photosensitizer is then removed.

Possible side effects of this procedure include transient redness, swelling, redness and stinging. The side effects present may differ depending on how long the photosensitizer is left on the skin, which light source is used and what is being treated. There have not yet been long-term studies to determine possible long-term side effects of the procedure.

There are a few advantages of photodynamic therapy over other types of facial rejuvenation procedures and patients interested are encouraged to seek consultation with a trained professional in the Lincoln area for more information. This procedure is less destructive than many deep peels or laser procedures, and there is minimal recovery time associated with photodynamic therapy. This procedure has also been successful in treating precancerous lesions, so depending on the technique that is used, there may be additional benefits of preventing skin cancer.

However, like most procedures there are certain disadvantages of which patients should be aware and should discuss with a trained professional in the Lincoln community. For one, it is a new treatment and long-term side effects are not yet known. The benefits are also now as well studied as other procedures. It is not known exactly how long benefits of this procedure may last, for example. Patients should always discuss the risks and benefits with a trained professional before receiving treatment, whether they are considering this or an alternative. Going over possible alternatives is also worthwhile. Each session of photodynamic therapy typically costs in the $550 to $800 range, although this varies.

Learn more about photodynamic therapy in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Individuals struggling to conceal the signs of aging in the St. Louis, Missouri area or in other communities around the nation often feel self-conscious or embarrassed by the wrinkles, fine lines or age spots that begin to appear. The appearance of these blemishes may mark the first time that some individuals begin to feel older and fighting them is often important to many. Fortunately, thanks to modern science and technology, treatment exists to help patients overcome these conditions safely and effectively. There are several treatments designed to fight these signs of aging such as microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing, dermal fillers and chemical peels, but one of the newer, non-ablative options is intense pulsed light.

FotoFacial/IPL treatments do not damage the skin's surface, instead focusing on the deeper layers of the skin. This differs from many other treatment options including dermabrasion and laser resurfacing, among others. There is virtually no recovery time associated with this procedure as a result. What's more, only about 30 to 45 minutes are required to perform these procedures and patients are usually allowed to apply makeup before returning to work or other activities. One of the other advantages of this procedure is that there is relatively little pain unlike other procedures which may require the use of a topical anesthetic to provide for patient comfort. Also, a larger area may be treated at one time than when laser treatment is used.

FotoFacial/IPL treatments also have disadvantages, however, of which patients should be aware before starting treatment. Because there is little damage to the surface of the skin, it may take several treatments to reach the desired effect. Four to six treatments, spaced about three weeks, may be needed for optimal results. There are also side effects associated with this treatment including increased or decreased pigment in the treated area, as well as transient redness. Patients are often encouraged to minimize exposure to the sun to help reduce side effects.

The procedure utilizes an intense pulse light hand piece to deliver the high-intensity pulses of broadband light, which differs from the narrowband light used in laser treatments. As mentioned, the intense pulsed light is delivered to the deeper layers (dermis), while leaving the superficial part of the skin (epidermis) unharmed. Depending on the goals of the treatment, there are different types of intense pulse light available. For instance, the PhotoDerm VL targets vascular lesions (spider veins, vascular birthmarks), while the PhotoDerm PL targets pigmented lesions (melasma, age spots). The PhotoDerm HR targets hair. As an added bonus, the thermal effect of the intense pulsed light helps to stimulate the production of new collagen in the skin for tighter looking skin and the reduction of the appearance of wrinkles.

Each session of intense pulse light treatment typically costs around $350 to $600 depending on the size of the treatment and the part of the body being treated. It is important to consult a trained St. Louis professional to determine the approximate number of treatments necessary as well as the price per session.

Learn more about FotoFacial/IPL treatments in St. Louis, Missouri.

Individuals in the Lincoln, Nebraska area who are experiencing unwanted pockets of body fat have found success through Body Jet Liposuction, which is a fat removal procedure that involves the use of fluid-assisted liposuction. This is an innovative process that involves the loosening of cells using gentle pulses of fluids rather than the breaking apart of cells as is common in many liposuction procedures. This procedure then removes the cells and fluid from the body, allowing for less damage to the nearby tissues as the tissue is loosened rather than destroyed. This also results in minimal damage to the blood vessels and nerves in the area.

Before undergoing this or any other procedure, it is important that patients consider their candidacy for treatment. To do this, they should seek consultation with a trained medical professional in the Lincoln area. Good candidates for Body Jet Liposuction typically include those who are no more than 25 pounds overweight, are in good overall health and do not suffer from any bleeding or other disorders. Individuals who have areas of fat that are not responding to diet and exercise and who are interested in a procedure with a short recovery time should consult a professional in the area regarding this procedure.

The fat cells that are removed using this procedure are gone for good, however significant weight gain following the procedure may lead to added weight in the areas treated using this procedure. Body Jet Liposuction may be used to treat various areas on the body including the belly, thighs, buttocks, hips, knees, arms and chin. More than one area may be treated during each session.

The procedure works by using jet sprays of fluid to loosen fat, which is then sucked out using a tube called a cannula. Pulsating sprays of fluid are used to dislodge fatty tissue which may be removed using the cannula. The fluids and fatty tissues are removed throughout the procedure to minimize swelling and the discomfort felt by the patient. There are three phases involved with this procedure. The first involves the infiltration of fluid to numb the treatment area, followed by the combined infiltration and aspiration to dislodge and remove the fluid and the fat from the body, and then the final stage of aspiration for contouring.

One of the advantages of Body Jet Liposuction over other procedures is that it loosens rather than destroying fatty tissue, meaning less trauma, bleeding, swelling, bruising and discomfort throughout the procedure. Most patients are able to resume normal activities after a few days of the procedure. Results may be visible soon after the procedure, as less trauma is involved in the process. The results should become more and more evident in the months following the procedure. The cost of this procedure may be comparable to traditional liposuction procedures. Patients may expect to pay $2,000 to $6,000 depending on the size of the treatment area. This should be discussed with a professional in the Lincoln area prior to treatment.

Learn more about Body Jet Liposuction in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Individuals in the Great Neck, New York area who are interested in a non-invasive skin rejuvenation and tightening procedure have found success through Accent XL, which has been used to treat two layers of the skin at the same time through Dual-Layer Thermotherapy. Radiofrequency technology is used to provide treatment to those who undergo Accent XL, which helps those experiencing sagging, aging skin and cellulite find relief. This treatment helps to improve not only the texture of the surface skin, but also help stimulate production of natural collagen in the skin, which helps to give the skin a more youthful firmness and elasticity.

This procedure is used to help many men and women who are interested in treatment for aging skin or cellulite who are not interested in the more invasive methods of treatment. Patients should speak with a trained professional prior to receiving treatment to ensure that they are a good candidate for treatment. The treatment may be used anywhere on the body in which sagging, wrinkles skin or cellulite is present. In many cases, patients use Accent XL to treat skin on the upper arms, face and neck, as well as other areas of the body to firm the skin after having surgery or following pregnancy.

Those who are pregnant or who are breastfeeding may not be considered candidates for this treatment. What's more, those with diabetes and individuals taking photosensitizing drugs may not be considered good candidates for this procedure either. Those with pacemakers are also not considered candidates for Accent XL. Be sure to inform your doctor of any and all medical conditions, concerns or medications before undergoing this or any other procedure or treatment.

The procedure involves the use of a hand piece that the specialist will used to apply the radiofrequency energy to the body. The Great Neck specialist will move the wand in a circular motion as the dual-layer technique means that the bipolar module may treat both of the surface layers of the skin and the unipolar module allows for the treatment of the under layers of the skin. Both of these modules stimulate the production of collagen for an improved tone and firmness of the skin. The bipolar mode may be better suited for thin skin that may be located on the face or neck. There is also a built-in cooler that minimizes the heat that the patient feels during the procedure. In most cases, Accent XL treatments take about 30 minutes to an hour to complete depending on the size of the treatment area and the amount of cellulite present.

There is minimal recovery time associated with Accent XL. Most individuals compare the procedure to a warm stone massage and there may be some slight redness following treatment, although this should go away after about an hour or two. Patients may resume normal activities and return to work immediately after treatment with Accent XL. Individuals given special recovery instructions by a Great Neck specialist should follow the recovery guidelines given to them by the professional. It may take six to 12 treatments to achieve the optimal results with this procedure, although the number of sessions may vary depending on varying factors. Each session may run between $400 and $600 although this varies depending on the size of the area that is being treated.

Learn more about Accent XL in Great Neck, New York.