There comes a time in everyone’s life … whether it’s the first time you notice that the reflection in the mirror shows an older version of the person you feel like inside or you’ve been facing that fact for a while.
Where did THEY come from? The sagging cheeks, lip lines, crow’s feet, and furrowed brows that appeared seemingly overnight.
You know it’s time to take action, but where do you start without a time machine?
Over-the-counter creams and lotions aren’t getting the job done anymore. They used to work, but now seem to be a waste of your time and money.
It’s time to call in the professionals. But where do you start and what are your options?
Most people choose to begin their skin rejuvenation journey with non-surgical treatments and procedures. Topical and minimally-invasive treatments and injectables provide excellent results without the expense and risk of going under the knife.
In this post, we’ll address which non-surgical treatments are available at Integrated Dermatology of Tidewater and explain a little bit about each option.
Facials exfoliate, cleanse, hydrate, and moisturize the skin to help it look fresh and youthful. At Integrated Dermatology of Tidewater, our popular Signature Facial includes a deep pore cleansing treatment, exfoliation, extractions, and a lymphatic drainage massage to remove excess fluid from the face, followed by a treatment mask with specialized serums, eye and lip treatment and moisturizer with SPF application.
Chemical peels remove the outer layers of the skin and encourage the growth of new, smoother skin. They use acid ingredients to correct skin texture, improve the appearance of acne scars, reduce fine lines, and/or remove sun damage and age spots.
Chemical peels vary in strength according to the different acid ingredients used in the applied solution: alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and phenol. They vary in strength in relation to the acid used in the chemical solution.
Benefits of chemical peels:
Dermaplaning is a non-invasive treatment that removes dead skin cells and vellus hair (peach fuzz) from the face with a specialized blade. The exfoliation makes the skin look and feel smoother, and can be used before chemical peels to allow for better penetration. Once removed, vellus hair will grow back, but contrary to popular belief, it will not be any darker or thicker.
Microdermabrasion is used to remove age spots, lighter acne scars, and provide a general rejuvenation of the skin. Small crystals area sprayed onto the surface of the skin to exfoliate the skin layers, then suction is used to remove the crystals and dead skin cells.
Microneedling uses multiple, tiny, sterile needles to puncture the top layer of the skin, creating tiny wounds that trigger collagen production as the skin rebuilds.
The American Academy of Dermatology has stated that microneedling treatments can reduce the “appearance of large pores, fine lines and wrinkles, scars, and stretch marks.”
Microneedling is used to treat the following conditions:
The full effects of microneedling take several months to see, as it involves the growth of new skin.
Mild skin redness may last a few days to a week and the skin will have increased photo-sensitivity, so take care to avoid sun exposure in the first 48-hours after treatment.
Botox® is a brand name that has become synonymous with the class of injectable neuromodulators (Botulinum toxin type A) used to block the chemicals that contract the tiny facial muscles that produce frown lines, thereby helping to smooth out lines and wrinkles.
Frown lines and crow’s feet are no match for botulinum toxin injections. The effects last three to six months, depending on the individual. Most people will begin to see results within one week. Once the muscle actions reappear, the lines and wrinkles will reappear and the treatment will need to be repeated for continued results.
Xeomin® is another popular brand that uses a unique precision manufacturing process to purify their neurotoxin to remove accessory proteins that don’t play an active role in treatment.
At Integrated Dermatology of Tidewater, our providers use both Botox and Xeomin products.
Dermal fillers reshape the face by adding volume to the areas that have begun to lose their fullness and sag over time.
Dermal fillers are most often used in cheeks, lips, and nasolabial folds (the “marionette lines” that form between the nose and outer corners of the mouth). But can be used to shape and contour other areas of the face.
Juvederm uses a gel containing hyaluronic acid (HA), a complex sugar that occurs naturally in the body to keep tissues lubricated and moist, which helps with skin elasticity.
The HA in dermal fillers is reabsorbed by the body over time, but results last for twelve to eighteen months on average.
The type of Juvederm treatment used will depend on the specific area and the level of fullness needed to address the patient’s folds, wrinkles, and volume loss.
Cheeks
JUVEDERM VOLUMA® XC - JUVÉDERM VOLUMA® XC is designed to add volume beneath the skin's surface, which provides lift and contour to the cheek area.
Lines
JUVÉDERM VOLLURE™ XC - This product is injected into the areas of facial tissue where moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds occur, including the "parentheses lines" around the nose and mouth.
JUVÉDERM® XC - corrects moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the parentheses lines or "smile lines" around the nose and mouth.
Lips
JUVÉDERM VOLBELLA® XC - This product is for injection into the lips for lip augmentation and for correction of perioral lines, often called "lipstick lines.”
JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC - This injectable gel temporarily adds more fullness and plumps thin lips—whether your lips have thinned over time or you simply want fuller lips.
Other hyaluronic acid-based lines are Belotero, Perlane and Restylane.
The first step to your successful skin rejuvenation is to find a reputable dermatology office or medical spa that provides the services you want.
Aestheticians typically take a one-or two-year course focused on skincare, facials, and non-invasive procedures. As you’re making your choice, keep these tips in mind:
You need to look no further than Integrated Dermatology of Tidewater!
Our Board Certified Medical Director, Jonathan Schreiber, MD, PhD oversees two certified and licensed aestheticians - Lynne Hicks, Master Aesthetician, and Emily Patrick, RN, Certified Nurse Injector who can address all your skin rejuvenation needs.
Whether you're ready to schedule an appointment or just want to ask questions about our services, give us a call today and start changing that reflection in the mirror to match the person you are within.
