Realistic Expectations for Cosmetic Procedures

Cosmetic procedures are becoming more and more common nowadays, especially minimally invasive or non-surgical procedures. These include injectable treatments such as Botox and fillers; laser treatments such as hair removal, photofacials, and resurfacing; and chemical peels. A common concern is that patients do not see the results they want immediately. It is important to have a thorough discussion with your doctor prior to your treatment about realistic expectations for each procedure. These procedures for the most part are directed at treating various aspects of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, laxity, discoloration, and textural irregularities. It is important to understand that these changes did not occur overnight, and consequently will not be corrected overnight. Furthermore, one must realize that minimally invasive procedures will not produce results equivalent to surgical procedures such as a facelift.

Standardized photography is critical to be able to see results. Photographs should be taken prior to the procedure and several weeks after the procedure to be able to see good results. These photographs should be taken in the same positions, with consistent lighting, and without makeup or jewelery. It is common for people to forget what they looked like before a procedure because we look at ourselves in the mirror every day and hence remember what we looked like yesterday.

Before undergoing a cosmetic procedure, be sure to talk with your doctor about what kinds of improvements you will see and how long it will take to see improvements. Also be sure to take photographs before and after the procedure to see the changes.

Pro Fractional Therapy

Pro Fractional Therapy is a type of laser procedure performed by Dr. Alex now available at A E Skin. 

Model (courtesy of Dr. Adam Baker, MD)

What is Pro Fractional Therapy?

Pro Fractional Therapy is a quick and comfortable laser procedure with little downtime, used for improving the overall appearance of your skin. The procedure is performed in the office and can be custom tailored to your specific skin conditions and desired outcome.

How does Pro Fractional work?

Pro Fractional uses a tiny laser beam to treat thousands of pinpoint areas of your skin. Because only a fraction of your skin is directly treated with the laser, the surrounding untreated tissue promotes rapid healing. This skin’s wound healing response creates new collagen which add firmness and resilience to the skin.

What is the primary application of Pro Fractional?

Based on an assessment of your skin condition and cosmetic goals, Dr. Alex may recommend Pro Fractional when minimal downtime is desired.

What areas of the body can be treated?

Most skin areas can be treated. Popular treatment areas are the face and neck, though many people also treat the chest and hands. You should discuss your needs with Dr. Alex.

How many treatments will I need?

Excellent results can be obtained in just one treatment, though the number of treatments may vary from patient to patient. Dr. Alex will personalize a plan based on your specific needs and may recommend combining Pro Fractional Therapy with other aesthetic procedures to further personalize your treatment.

What will happen during the procedure?

Your skin will be cleaned in the treatment area and your eyes will be protected with safety shields. A laser handpiece will be positioned gently on the skin. When the laser energy is applied, you will hear a rapid succession of snapping sounds. The handpiece will be moved around to adjacent locations until the entire treatment area has been covered. The procedure normally takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Will it be uncomfortable?

Pro Fractional therapy is widely regarded as a comfortable procedure, usually tolerated with the use of a topical numbing cream or a local anesthetic, depending on the depth of treatment.

What should I expect immediately after the treatment?

Immediately following the procedure you may experience mild redness and a sensation resembling sunburn. Dr. Alex will provide specific after-treatment care recommendations, which may include analgesics and application of an ointment to keep the skin moist.

How long will it take to recover?

Complete healing typically occurs within a few days and most patients usually feel comfortable enough to get back to work and apply makeup a day or two after the treatment. There will likely be some swelling that will subside within several days following the treatment.

What aftercare do I need?

It is important to carefully follow the aftercare instructions. Your skin will be sensitive to ultra-violet light after the procedure, so you must avoid direct sun exposure until fully healed. Fully cover your skin or use a sunscreen with SPF at least 30 with broad spectrum coverage every day. Avoid heat, alcohol, and exercise for at least 24 hours after the procedure, because this can draw blood to the skin and lead to unwanted side effects such as blisters and discoloration.

When should I expect results?

As your skin heals in the days following your treatment, you may notice a general tightening effect. However, the true benefit of Pro Fractional is the collagen remodeling that occurs during the 3 to 6 months following your treatment.

Micro Laser Peel

The Micro Laser Peel is a type of laser therapy performed by Dr. Alex now available at A E Skin.

Model (courtesy of Dr. Jason Pozner, MD)

What is MicroLaserPeel?

MicroLaserPeel

removes a thin layer of damaged skin to improve texture and provide a more youthful appearance. It provides superior results because it can be administered with great precision of depth. The procedure is performed in the office and can be custom tailored to your specific skin conditions and desired outcome.

How does MicroLaserPeel work?

The MicroLaserPeel’s beam is scanned over a treatment area to remove a very thin layer of the skin. Removing the top layer eliminates some of the damaged cells that can give skin a tired, aged look. As the skin heals, fresh cells grow and resurface the treated area. The result is healthier-looking skin, often with reduced wrinkles and improved color evenness. Patients often say that it looks like their skin went from looking tired to vibrant.

What conditions can be treated with MicroLaserPeel?

• Mild wrinkles

• Scars

• Keratosis

• Sun damage (e.g., freckles)

• Pigment irregularities

What areas of the body can be treated?

Most skin areas can be treated. Popular treatment areas are the face and neck, though some people also treat the chest and hands. You should discuss your needs with your physician.

How many treatments will I need?

Excellent results can be obtained in just one treatment, however the number of treatments needed may vary from patient to patient. Dr. Alex will personalize a plan based on your specific needs and may chose to combine Micro Laser Peel with other aesthetic procedures to further personalize your treatment.

What will happen during the procedure?

Your skin will be cleaned in the treatment area and your eyes will be protected with safety shields. Dr. Alex will position the laser handpiece above the skin and will hold it in place as the computer-guided scanner moves the laser beam around the treatment area. Depending on the size of the area being treated, the procedure usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes.

Will it be uncomfortable?

One of the primary advantages of Micro Laser Peel is that it causes little pain because it does not penetrate very deep into the skin. At its most shallow settings, most people can tolerate treatment with no anesthetic at all. At deeper settings, a topical numbing cream is typically used.

What should I expect immediately after the treatment?

Immediately after the treatment you will notice that the skin has a “frosty” appearance. This is the dehydrated skin that will peel away within next few days following the treatment. You may experience some skin redness and a sensation resembling sunburn, as well as mild swelling.

How long will it take to recover?

Depending on the depth of treatment, most patients feel comfortable enough to return to work within 3 to 4 days – an attribute that has given rise to the nickname “the weekend peel.”

What aftercare do I need?

It is important to carefully follow the aftercare instructions. Your skin will be sensitive to ultra-violet light after the procedure, so you must avoid direct sun exposure until fully healed. Fully cover your skin or use a sunscreen with SPF at least 30 with broad spectrum coverage every day. Avoid heat, alcohol, and exercise for at least 24 hours after the procedure, because this can draw blood to the skin and lead to unwanted side effects such as blisters and discoloration.

When should I expect results?

Because only the outer layer of skin is treated, most patients notice an obvious improvement in tone, texture and color evenness once the skin heals in approximately 3-4 days.