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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – There are countless products and procedures out there that claim to restore the skin by improving pigmentation, texture, and tone. The allure of smooth, wrinkle-free skin leaves many people wondering which are worth the time and money. The Albany plastic surgery specialists at the Williams Center have done the research and found the five best skin care procedures to meet several skin care concerns.
A skin care regimen containing active ingredients that are scientifically proven to enhance the health of the skin is a solid base for any path to skin rejuvenation. Prescription strength creams are the most effective for exfoliating and moisturizing the skin, targeting dark circles under the eyes, evening tone, and increasing collagen production. Skin care products should be matched to a patient’s skin type for the best results. Otherwise, counterproductive results may arise.
There are also many non-invasive treatments that patients commonly take advantage of to improve skin appearance. Non-surgical methods like Botox, dermal fillers and non-ablative laser treatments eliminate the risks, downtime, and scars that are associated with other procedures, such as facelift or browlift. Wrinkles, color, and firmness of the skin are still effectively improved, though some procedures may require additional treatments. More invasive procedures like chemical peels and ablative laser skin resurfacing may be necessary in the cases of deep wrinkles and scars or extensive discoloration of the skin. The following are skin rejuvenation techniques that are frequently selected by patients over, or in addition to, surgical means.
- Botox
Botox Cosmetic is utilized to reduce wrinkles in the forehead and around the eyes, upper lip, and mouth. This is possible through the prescription-grade botulinum toxin present in Botox that temporarily paralyzes the facial muscles that cause wrinkles when repeatedly contracted. Muscles become relaxed and wrinkles are smoothed at the injected site. Botox is very safe in its purified, low concentrated form when performed by medical professionals. There is no downtime and the results are quickly visible.
- Dermal Fillers
Restylane, Juvederm, Sculptra, Radiesse, and Perlane are used to add volume to specified areas of the skin or fill in lines. In additions to filling in marionette lines and nasolabial folds, dermal fillers can be used to improve the appearance of some scars, fill in tear troughs, and add volume to the hands. Soft tissue dermal fillers can be used alone, or in conjunction with others for a more comprehensive effect. They are often used as an alternative to cosmetic surgery or to maintain the results of a more invasive cosmetic procedure.
- Non-Ablative Laser Treatments
Candela laser treatments have proven to be very effective in the stimulation of collagen production as well as the treatment of rosacea and spider veins for more even skin tone, texture, and color. The Candela SmoothBeam laser will improve fine lines and scars, such as those from acne, by penetrating the skin’s surface and directly addressing the underlying tissue. Treatments typically take 30 minutes to 1 hour. Multiple sessions are necessary for optimal results. Candela’s Pulse Dye Laser addresses conditions that result in red pigmentation, such as facial spider veins, rosacea, port wine stains, scarring and bruising.
- Medical Facial Peels
Medical facial peels can stimulate collagen production. Collagen is the protein found in the connective tissues of the body that gives skin its firmness and elasticity. The aging body produces less collagen over time and the current supply begins to break down, causing wrinkles and loose skin. Medical peels help to tighten the skin and smooth out lines. Some superficial peels such as the Pontius Peel, which is actually minimally-invasive, are applied in the office and removed at home after a designated period of time. Other peels, such as TCA chemical peels and phenol peels, are much stronger and require the full attention of a trained doctor. Anesthetics are typically included in the chemical solution for patient comfort. Sedation may be used in some cases. The procedure time can range from ten minutes to an hour.
With the use of a peel, the skin at the surface of the epidermis peels off and reveals the younger skin cells beneath. In addition to increased collage, irregularities in skin pigmentation and tone are also corrected. Moisturizers and other medicated creams are more easily able to penetrate the new cells. The recovery period ranges from 3 days to a few weeks depending on the depth of the treatment.
- Laser Skin Resurfacing
With laser skin resurfacing, high-energy beams of light are delivered with precision to targeted areas of the skin. The lasers are used to remove the outermost layers of damaged skin. The heat from the laser also promotes the production of collagen for healthier new skin. This procedure can also take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour to complete. Some redness and swelling can occur, but will resolve as the skin heals. Recovery may take up to two weeks.
As leading physicians in Albany plastic surgery, the specialists at the Williams Center are adept at current surgical and non-surgical procedures. Dr. Edwin Williams directs the Williams Rejuva Center, where patients experiencefacial and skin rejuvenation in a private and comfortable setting. For the best plastic surgery and skin care in Albany, call 518-786-7000 or visit www.williamsfacialsurgery.com.
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