Cosmetic concerns and blemishes are troubling for many individuals in the Towson, Maryland area as well as in other parts of the nation. Even if they are purely cosmetic, these conditions or signs of aging may lead many to feel embarrassed and self-conscious and looking for treatment to help them find relief. Thankfully, various minimally-invasive or non-invasive options are available that have helped patients overcome fine lines, wrinkles, persistent red complexion, sun spots, acne scars, large pores and other concerns. One such treatment is intense pulse light treatment, which involves the use of broadband light that differs from the narrowband light used in many laser procedures.

Shortened to IPL, intense pulse light therapies utilize a hand piece that delivers high intensity pulses of the broadband light used in treatment. This procedure is non-ablative, so it does not damage the skin's surface, instead targeting the deeper parts of the skin called the dermis. Depending on the specific needs of the patient, different versions of IPL are available at many clinics. This includes PhotoDerm VL, which targets vascular lesions like spider veins or vascular birthmarks; PhotoDerm PL, which targets pigmented lesions like melasma and age spots; and finally PhotoDerm HR and Epilight treatments, which target unwanted hair. Another benefit of these treatments is that the effect of the intense pulsed light helps to stimulate the production of collagen, which helps to relieve wrinkles.

The procedure comes with a few distinct advantages over other procedures and treatments that may help to accomplish similar goals. The procedure, as mentioned, does not cause damage to the surface of the skin. This differs from dermabrasion and laser resurfacing, which cause damage to the skin's surface. There is also almost no recovery time associated with intense pulse light treatments and the sessions last about 30 minutes to 45 minutes each time. Patients may also apply their makeup before they leave the doctor's office, clinic or medical spa and may return to their work on the same day.

On the flip side, however, there are also some disadvantages of intense pulsed light therapy about which patients should be aware. Because this treatment is non-ablative, several treatments may be required to reach the desired effect of the treatment. In some cases, this may be as many as four to six treatments that are spaced about three weeks apart. Possible side effects associated with FotoFacial/IPL treatments include transient redness, increased pigmentation and decreased pigmentation in the treatment area. To help reduce side effects, patients may be encouraged by the Towson specialist to minimize their sun exposure.

As this is a cosmetic procedure, insurance typically will not cover the cost of treatment. Each session of intense pulsed light therapy may cost between $350 and $600 depending on the part of the body being treated and the clinic at which treatment is sought. Individuals should consult with a Towson specialist to determine the number of treatments that may be necessary as well as the cost of each session for more information.

Learn more about FotoFacial/IPL treatments in Towson, Maryland.

Dynamic wrinkles may be a source of embarrassment for individuals in San Ramon, California and in other parts of the country. These differ from static wrinkles in that dynamic wrinkles form when a facial expression is made whereas static wrinkles are visible when the face is at rest. The contraction of muscles when making a facial expression (smiling, frowning, etc.) leads to the formation and visibility of dynamic wrinkles. Examples of dynamic wrinkles include those found on the forehead (worry lines), between the eye brows (glabellar lines) and around the eyes (crow's feet). BOTOX® is a treatment that helps to get rid of these wrinkles by paralyzing the muscle that causes the wrinkle to form when it contracts.

The purified Botulinum toxin type A prevents the muscle from contracting by blocking transmission of nerve impulses to the muscle when it is injected directly into the muscle. With the muscle no long able to contract, the wrinkle is unable to form and gradually diminishes over time. For those suffering from static wrinkles, dermal fillers may be better suited to provide relief. BOTOX® may not be effective in the treatment of static wrinkles, so those in need of treatment for this type of wrinkle should speak with a specialist in the San Ramon area to help determine which treatment may be right for them to help them achieve their goals.

The paralysis takes about one to five days to occur and after about two to four weeks, it should begin to peak. The results from BOTOX® may last between three and six months. As time goes by, the effect of the treatment begins to gradually wear off and the dynamic wrinkle may occur. For this reason, follow up and maintenance treatments are necessary to maintain the desired results of this procedure. Over time, repeat treatments may lead to improved results as the muscle becomes less responsive over time. This is called chemical denervation.

As with many medical treatments, there are certain side effects associated with BOTOX®. The procedure should not be used on individuals with an infection around the injection site, or in those who have a hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the treatment including the milk protein Casein. Those who have neuromuscular disorders such as Myasthenia Gravis and Eaton Lambert Syndrome may be put at an increased risk of clinically significant system effects stemming from normal doses of the treatment.

Common side effects of this procedure may include headache, flu-like syndrome, respiratory infection, temporary eyelid droop and nausea. Some of the less frequent side effects may include pain in the face, injection site redness and muscle weakness. For more information about these side effects, it is important to seek consultation with a trained specialist in the San Ramon area.

Learn more about BOTOX® in San Ramon, California.

Before you begin a Triniti facial and neck skin laser treatment, be sure to discuss all medical conditions you have as well as all medications, vitamins and natural supplements you're taking with your medical professional. Some medical conditions may affect your treatment, particularly the following:

Conditions that Require Photosensitivity Medications

Some medications, such as some antihistamines, birth control pills, antibiotics, diuretics and antidepressants, can make the skin more photosensitive (sensitive to light, particularly UV light). This can make Triniti treatment far more painful than it should be, and result in a burning sensation or a rash on the skin. If your cosmetic specialist can determine that your health will not be at great risk, you may be able to wean yourself off of photosensitive medications for a few days prior to treatment.

HSV (Cold Sores/Herpes)

If you have frequent breakouts of cold sores on and in your mouth or you have herpes, you may have another breakout after treatment. To prevent this, your cosmetic specialist may prescribe a medication you should begin taking a few days prior to treatment, which will decrease your risk of flare ups.

Diabetes, Recent Chemotherapy, Autoimmune Disease

While your health should not be at greater risk during Triniti if you have any of these conditions, these three conditions can affect the results, due to your skin's slower ability to produce collagen. Your medical professional will likely recommend more than the average three treatments so that you can see results.

Pacemaker, Titanium Implants, Defibrillator, Accutane, Pregnancy

If you have any of these medical devices or you're currently pregnant or have had Accutane fewer than three months prior, you are not eligible for this procedure due to safety concerns.

Just because you have a medical condition that may affect your Triniti treatment does not automatically mean you're ineligible for it. Having an open discussion with your cosmetic specialist may result in finding a way that you can still have the procedure with minimal side effects.

Individuals in the Redmond, Washington area who desire fuller, plumper lips have met those goals through various lip enhancement techniques available at medical spas and skin care clinics in the area. Lip enhancement not only helps patients achieve fuller and plumper lips, it may help reduce the appearance of fine lines around the mouth for a more youthful-looking appearance. Various substances may be injected to achieve these goals including collagen (human or bovine collagen may be used), hyaluronic acid, synthetics such as silicone, or fat donated from other parts of the patient's body.

As hyaluronic acid, collagen and fat are absorbed by the body, repeat treatments are required to maintain the results of the treatment. Silicone is considered a permanent option for lip enhancement, but there may be more side effects associated with the treatment. Therefore, it is important that patients weigh their options and consider the positives and negatives of each potential treatment. A Redmond medical professional may be helpful in determining which type of lip enhancement technique to pursue.

After non-surgical lip augmentation, patients may return to their normal activities right away, or after a day's rest if the patient is sedated during the treatment. Surgical procedures may require a recovery period of about a week depending on the procedure and the materials used to perform the procedure. Those who wish to experiment with lip enhancement procedures may find temporary options such as collagen, hyaluronic acid and fat injections their best option. If they are pleased with the results, they may eventually opt for more permanent treatment options like silicone. This way, patients may try out the treatment without committing to keeping the results.

One of the possible risks associated with lip enhancement is allergic reaction. Allergic reactions are rare, but may lead to prolonged redness, swelling, itching and firmness at the injection site. Complications may also include infection, bleeding, lip asymmetry and migration and extrusion of the implants. Patients should discuss these possible risks and complications with a trained medical professional in the Redmond area for more information and to determine if these options may be right for them.

Patients may be given a pre-treatment collagen skin test. Those with a reaction to the test, who have serious history of allergies and those allergic to lidocaine, which is a type of local anesthetic, may not be considered candidates for lip augmentation. Those with inflammatory conditions or who have infections may be encouraged to delay treatment.

Learn more about lip enhancement in Redmond, Washington.

Individuals in the Seattle, Washington area who have problems with thin or short eyelashes may find relief from LATISSE®. This is an FDA-approved treatment designed to help patients grow their eyelashes to achieve fuller and thicker upper eyelashes. The mechanism of the active ingredient of LATISSE® is not known precisely, but it is though that the results provided by this treatment are due to the increase in the percentage of lash development in the lash growth phase. Before using this product, it is important that interested individuals discuss their candidacy for the treatment with a medical professional.

Individuals desiring fuller, thicker or darker upper eyelashes may be considered a candidate for this product. Even those who have sensitive eyes were able to use the product during research. Those taking antibiotics, heart medications and other drugs may not be considered a candidate for this treatment. What's more, those with neurological or certain other diseases and those who have severe allergies may not be considered candidates either. Pregnant women and individuals who have skin infections or other conditions affecting the upper eyelids may not be good candidates for LATISSE®.

The product is applied by the patient at home. Before applying this treatment, the individual should wash their face and remove makeup or creams. They should also remove their contacts before applying the treatment. A special applicator should be prepared by placing a drop of the solution on the applicator and then applying it to the base of the upper eyelid where the bash of the lashes meets the skin of the eyelid. Excess solution may be blotted off using a dry tissue. A fresh applicator should be used on each lid and used applicators should not be reused.

Following the application of the product, some may report a temporary itching or slight redness, but these side effects typically resolve as the body becomes more accustomed to the product. The product should be applied to the lid and not the eye, but a small amount should not harm the eye if it accidentally falls into the eye. Results may begin to appear gradually with initial results appearing after four to eight weeks of continued use. Full effects may be apparent after 16 weeks. Patients may begin a maintenance program after the initial 16-week period to maintain results, applying the product every couple of days, although it is recommended that patients continue daily use of the product.

Learn more about LATISSE® in Seattle, Washington.