Cosmetic and Skin Enhancement – Process

Before Cosmetic and Skin Enhancement Treatment

Patients receive recommendations before undergoing cosmetic procedures at Penn Dermatology. Pre-treatment varies depending on the procedure.

Learn about pre-treatment recommendations for:

Botulinum toxin A or Botox®

Botulinum toxin A, also known by the brands Botox®, Dysport® or Xeomin®, has been used for more than 30 years with a demonstrated safety record for effectiveness in treating medical and cosmetic problems. For cosmetic purposes, Botox® injections work by relaxing muscles in certain areas, such as the forehead or around the eyes, to temporarily improve or reduce facial wrinkles or fine lines.

Penn dermatologists or dermatologic surgeons may recommend Botox® injections in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures, such as chemical peels, soft-tissue fillers or microdermabrasion, to potentially improve the results and possibly prevent new wrinkles and lines from forming.

Botox® injections do not require advance preparation. However, Penn Dermatology requires that female patients verify that they are not pregnant before receiving Botox injections.

Chemical Peel

A chemical peel is one of the least invasive ways to improve the skin’s texture and appearance, especially for the face, neck or hands. A chemical peel involves the application of a special chemical solution to remove or exfoliate the damaged outer layers of the skin or epidermis. There are various levels of chemical peels, including light, medium or deep applications.

At Penn Dermatology, patients are carefully examined by a dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon for the best and most effective level of treatment, depending on skin color, tone and texture.

Prior to treatment, some patients may be asked to stop taking certain oral medications or to use a topical skin solution.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a noninvasive method for refreshing or rejuvenating the skin that is suitable for practically all skin colors and types. Microdermabrasion, also called a “power peel” or “lunch-hour peel” is a gentle exfoliation technique. Microdermabrasion benefits the skin because it helps stimulate collagen growth, a protein in the skin that declines with age.

At Penn Dermatology, the dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon sprays a light solution on the skin and uses a special hand-held instrument to “sand” or “polish” the skin and remove the top layer that may be mildly scarred, uneven, discolored or sun damaged.

Microdermabrasion does not require advance preparation. At Penn Dermatology, patients are carefully examined by a dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon for the best and most effective microdermabrasion approach.

Laser Hair Removal

Penn Dermatology offers non-surgical treatment options for the removal or reduction of unwanted facial or body hair for small or large areas of the face or body. Laser hair removal works through the use of state-of-the-art laser technology that disables active hair growth in the deeper layers of the skin and may require a one-time or multiple treatment application. Laser hair removal is often more effective and less cumbersome than other methods such as electrolysis, waxing, shaving or bleaching.

Laser hair removal does not require advance preparation. At Penn Dermatology, patients are carefully examined by a dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon for the best and most effective laser hair removal treatment approach.

Laser Skin Resurfacing for Acne and Surgical Scars

Laser skin resurfacing is a minimally invasive method of removing the superficial layers of skin damaged by acne or surgical scars using state-of-the-art laser technology. It is also an effective treatment for rosacea. The microscopic treatment zones caused by the laser allow the body to produce more collagen that results in improved and tighter skin texture.

To prepare patients for treatment, Penn dermatologists prescribe an antiviral medication to prevent cold sores. Patients should not wear makeup on the areas of the skin that will be treated. A topical anesthesia will be applied to the treatment area. In addition, a local anesthesia or pain medication may also be used prior to laser treatment. At Penn Dermatology, patients are carefully examined by a dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon in advance of treatment to determine the best and most effective approach.

Laser Resurfacing for Photodamaged Skin

Laser skin resurfacing is a minimally invasive method of removing the superficial layers of skin damaged by excessive and long-term sun exposure using state-of-the-art laser technology. The microscopic treatment zones caused by the laser allow the body to produce more collagen that results in improved and tighter skin texture and complexion.

To prepare patients for treatment, Penn dermatologists prescribe an antiviral medication to prevent cold sores. Patients should not wear makeup on the areas of the skin that will be treated. A topical anesthesia will be applied to the treatment area. In addition, a local anesthesia or pain medication may also be used prior to laser treatment. At Penn Dermatology, patients are carefully examined by a dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon in advance of treatment to determine the best and most effective approach.

Sclerotherapy

Penn Dermatology’s sclerotherapy services offer a safe and effective option for patients that want to eliminate or reduce visible spider veins on the legs or other areas of the body. Spider veins or telangiectasias are small broken blood vessels that are red or purple in appearance and visible because they are close to the skin’s surface. Sclerotherapy involves inserting a very fine needle into the vein that causes the vessel to collapse and gradually be absorbed. Blood is ultimately redirected to deeper veins below the skin’s surface.

As experts in sclerotherapy procedures, Penn dermatologists use proper injection techniques which require experience and sound medical judgment to achieve optimal results.

Penn Dermatology requires that female patients verify that they are not pregnant before undergoing sclerotherapy. An imaging study of the venous flow may be necessary, depending on the distribution of the blood vessels.

Soft-Tissue Fillers

Soft-tissue fillers, also called “dermal fillers” or “liquid facelifts,” are a minimally invasive and temporary approach for adding volume and depth to certain areas of the face and to soften creases or wrinkles or adding plumpness to the lips. Soft-tissue filler injections replace lost volume to temporarily achieve a more rejuvenated appearance.

The number and variety of filler products in the marketplace has grown substantially over the years. Some commonly used brands include Juvederm®, Restylane®, Radiesse® or Sculptra®. Penn dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons are experts in selecting the proper and safest fillers to customize and meet the needs of every patient. A series of injections may be necessary to obtain the desired results. Botox® or other supplemental cosmetic procedures may be recommended in conjunction with the soft-tissue filler procedure.

Cosmetic and Skin Enhancement Evaluation

Patients have different expectations and views regarding their appearance and expected cosmetic outcomes. At Penn Dermatology, all patients receive a thorough and customized assessment of their cosmetic concerns based on skin tone, texture, sun damage, age and other external factors.

Before undergoing any cosmetic procedure, patients have the opportunity to:

• Discuss directly with a Penn dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon the cosmetic problem or concern
• Ask the physician questions
• Describe personal goals and expectations
• Find out about potential aesthetic solutions
• Learn about the cosmetic procedure and its benefits and risks
• Find out about the recovery time and what to expect after the cosmetic procedure
• Get a complete estimate on the fees for cosmetic services at Penn Dermatology

Cosmetic and Skin Enhancement Treatment

Penn Dermatology provides patients with state-of-the-art treatment options when undergoing treatment for Botox®, chemical peel, laser hair removal, laser skin resurfacing, microdermabrasion, sclerotherapy or soft-tissue fillers.

Learn about treatment for:

Botulinum toxin A or Botox®

Many wrinkles on the face, like those around the eyes and forehead, are caused by facial muscles beneath the skin. Botulinum toxin A or Botox quickly and safely blocks muscular nerve signals in the muscles so they can’t contract, which is the cause of the wrinkled appearance. Penn’s dermatologists or dermatologic surgeons are experts in treating patients with Botox that involves small injections of a purified pharmaceutical substance into specific wrinkle-producing facial muscles to obtain the desired results.

The correct use of Botox requires experience and sound medical judgment because improperly injecting Botox could result in unwanted muscle relaxation or facial asymmetry.

Botox does not require anesthesia and patients do not have any “down time” or a recovery period.

Chemical Peel

A chemical peel is an effective and the least invasive method for improving the skin’s texture and appearance. A chemical peel removes the damaged outer layer of the skin to lighten, brighten, refresh or soften fine lines or wrinkles.

The treatment involves cleansing the facial area and brushing a safe chemical exfoliation solution on the skin. It is left on for a specified time period followed by washing, neutralizing and moisturizing. There are various levels of chemical peels that may require additional steps or a greater time commitment. A Penn dermatologist carefully examines every patient prior to the procedure to determine the best treatment approach.

Some mild stinging or tingling sensations may occur during the chemical application process. In addition, some patients’ skin may turn reddish or brownish in color after the procedure for a short period of time. Patients often opt to return on a regular maintenance schedule to maintain their healthy and newly refreshed skin.

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal at Penn Dermatology is an effective and non-invasive method for removing and permanently reducing unwanted hair. The treatment may take several minutes or several hours, depending on the area of the body, skin or hair pigmentation and other factors. During the procedure, a Penn dermatologist uses a low-energy, hand-held state-of-the-art laser device to eliminate or reduce unwanted hair.

The pigment in the hair follicle absorbs the laser’s energy that passes through a patient’s skin. The treatment works by selectively destroying hair follicles resulting in significant hair reduction in the treated areas. Laser hair removal most often requires follow-up treatment sessions for optimal results. With each treatment, a percentage of the hair follicles are permanently eliminated.

In most cases, no anesthesia is necessary and there is minimal or no “down time.” Some temporary redness or swelling may occur in the treated areas. Patients with darker skin, blonde, white or gray hair may not respond as well to the treatment due to lack of pigmentation.

Laser Skin Resurfacing for Acne and Surgical Scars

Laser skin resurfacing at Penn Dermatology is a safe and effective method to treat skin damaged from acne or surgical scarring. Penn dermatologists use state-of-the-art laser technology and a technique known as ablative fractional laser resurfacing. This method works by “pixelating” or “fractionating” the laser light so only a small percentage of the skin is treated with each laser pulse. The laser’s microscopic treatment causes the body to produce more collagen which results in skin tightening, improves the skin’s overall texture and complexion and results in a faster healing time.

During the procedure, the skin is cooled and soothed. For most patients, treatment is relatively painless, although some patients experience a tingling sensation. The duration of the treatment ranges from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the overall amount of skin treated. An additional one to two treatments may be necessary scheduled in three to five month intervals, for optimum results.

Laser Resurfacing for Photodamaged Skin

Laser skin resurfacing at Penn Dermatology is a safe and effective method to treat skin damaged from overexposure to the sun. Penn dermatologists use state-of-the-art laser technology and a technique known as ablative fractional laser resurfacing. This method works by “pixelating” or “fractionating” the laser light so only a small percentage of the skin is treated with each laser pulse. The laser’s microscopic treatment causes the body to produce more collagen which results in skin tightening, improves the skin’s overall texture and complexion and results in a faster healing time.

During the procedure, the skin is cooled and soothed. For most patients, treatment is relatively painless, although some patients experience a tingling sensation. The duration of the treatment ranges from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the overall amount of skin treated. One treatment is usually sufficient to create significant improvement in fine wrinkles, blemishes and skin tone. The full effects of the laser may not be seen for several months because it takes time for the body to produce collagen. An additional “touch-up” treatment may be necessary nine to 12 months after the initial procedure.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a noninvasive method for refreshing or rejuvenating the skin that is suitable for practically all skin colors and textures. Penn dermatologists use a mild and minimally abrasive solution and sanding instrument to remove or exfoliate the skin’s thicker and uneven outer layer.

Patients do not have discomfort or experience “down time” with this procedure.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is safe and effective treatment for removing or reducing unwanted spider veins in the legs or other areas of the body. At Penn Dermatology, the treatment involves a series of injections into the visible surface blood vessels with a fine needle. The dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon uses a magnification instrument to see the vessels during the process. The solution injected into the vessel collapses the vein, which eventually becomes scar tissue and is absorbed into the body.

Most patient experience minimal discomfort and there is no “down time” or recovery period with this procedure. Multiple or follow up maintenance sessions are usually required for the best aesthetic results.

Soft-Tissue Fillers

Penn dermatologists use soft tissue fillers as a minimally invasive and temporary approach for adding volume and depth to certain areas of the face and for refining lines and softening wrinkles. The procedure involves injecting the appropriate filler product beneath the skin’s surface to correct depth and volume.

Over the years, the number and variety of filler products has grown significantly. Each product has its own niche and purpose. Penn dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons have experience and expertise in selecting the appropriate filler products that have demonstrated safety and effectiveness.

A series of injections may be necessary to smooth lines and wrinkles. This procedure requires minimal “down time.”