Laser
Skin Resurfacing
Also known as "laser
peel," laser skin resurfacing usually takes less than 1˝ 
hours
(sometimes just a few minutes) depending on the size of the area being
treated. The procedure uses a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser beam
which vaporizes the upper layers of damaged skin at controlled levels of
penetration. The procedure removes areas of damaged or wrinkled
skin often caused by prolonged sun exposure. Laser resurfacing can
minimize the appearance of fine lines around the mouth and the eyes and
is also effective in treating facial scars and skin areas with uneven
pigmentation.
Dr. Tucker and Dr. Howell are excited to now offer fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing with Lumenis UltraPulse Active, Deep, and Total FX technology for their patients. Traditional CO2 laser resurfacing has proven itself to be one of the most effective treatments for skin tightening and general improvement of skin appearance. Newer, fractionated technology delivers the CO2 laser energy in a manner that allows for reduced downtime for the patient and dramatic results. ActiveFX is designed to treat fine lines, texture, and pigmentary changes (e.g. dyschromia), while DeepFX treats deep wrinkles and scars. TotalFX is the combination of these two modalities, customized for each patient to optimize their result. Treatment is performed in our office, typically with both a topical anesthetic cream and oral medication to make the procedure a more comfortable experience. Please visit the following websites for more information:
http://www.aesthetic.lumenis.com/wt/page/ultrapulse
http://www.aesthetic.lumenis.com/pdf/UltraPulse_Encore_datasheet.pd
Click here for more information on Laser Skin Resurfacing
For additional information on laser skin resurfacing visit:
www.plasticsurgery.org
Chemical
Skin Resurfacing
All chemical resurfacing treatments work
essentially the same way -- the outer layers of damaged skin
are stripped away and new cells form during the healing process.
These new skin cells provide smoother, tighter and younger-looking skin.
Click here for more information on Chemical Skin Resurfacing
Chemical
Peels
(Alpha Hydroxy
Acid Peels)
Chemical peels using alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic, lactic or
fruit acids are the mildest of the peel formulas. They can provide
smoother, brighter-looking 
skin and are used to treat fine wrinkles,
dryness uneven pigmentation and acne.
Click here for more information on Chemical Peels
For additional information on chemical peels visit:
www.plasticsurgery.org
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BOTOX®
BOTOX® is a protein that weakens muscles that wrinkle the skin. It
is injected under the skin into areas surrounding the eyes, forehead and
mouth to reduce "worry lines", "crow's feet" and
"frown lines". The procedure is quick and usually done
in an examination room.
Click here for more information on BOTOX®
Collagen
Injections
Collagen is a protein found in the second layer of skin known as the dermis
(the first layer is called the epidermus). It is injected
under the dermis layer to added fullness to areas of the face such
as the lips, cheeks and forehead.
Click here for more information on Collagen Injections
For additional information on injectable fillers visit:
www.plasticsurgery.org
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion can be performed fairly
quickly. The procedure usually takes from 
a few minutes to an hour and a
half, depending on how large an area of skin is involved. It's not
uncommon for the procedure to be performed more than once, or in stages,
especially when scarring is deep or a large area of skin is involved.
In dermabrasion, the surgeon scrapes away the outermost layer of skin
with a rough wire brush, or a burr containing diamond particles,
attached to a motorized handle. The scraping continues until the surgeon
reaches the safest level that will make the scar or wrinkle less
visible.
Click here for more information on Dermabrasion
For additional information on dermabrasion
visit:
www.plasticsurgery.org
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Microdermabrasion
The
MegaPeel Microdermabrasion system works by pumping minute crystals through
a glass hand-piece onto the skin's surface. The fine crystal mist gently
refines the epidermal layer leaving the skin smooth and more youthful
appearing.
Dermabrasion has been used in the medical industry with great success.
Micro-dermabrasion has been introduced to allow the beauty therapist to
bridge the gap between Beauty Salon and the dermatologist's clinic. In just
one treatment the MegaPeel visibly refines and polishes the surface of the
skin. And what's more, the technique stimulates the micro-circulation to
promote a healthy new layer of skin.
Click here for more information on Microdermabrasion
Obagi
Skin Care
The
Obagi Nu-Derm™
system improves the function of three types of skin
cells: Keratinocytes, melanocytes, and fibroblasts.
Keratinocytes
are cells on the skin's surface. The Nu-Derm System stimulates
natural exfoliation of keratinocytes to recapture the skin's smooth moist
texture.
Melanocytes
contain a pigment called melanin that gives skin its color. The Nu-Derm
System corrects the over-production of melanin caused by sun
exposure. Dark spots fade and skin color becomes more even.
Fibroblasts
produce support structures in skin called collagen and elastin that tend
to break down over time. The Nu-Derm System helps skin preserve
collagen and elastin. Skin becomes firm, and fine lines and
wrinkling appear less noticeable. Surrounding blood circulation
improves, too giving your skin a healthy glow.
For
more extensive damage we also offer the Obagi Blue Peel to get an even
deeper exfoliation and subsequent correction.
Click here for more information on Obagi Skin Care
