Cosmetic Dermatology

FeatherLift™

Developed in 1999 by a Russian cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Marlen Sulamanidze, FeatherLift is the latest technique in obtaining a facelift without surgery. Using non-absorbable prolene sutures, called Aptos® threads, the FeatherLift threads are placed above the hair line, elevating cheek folds or jowls and gently tightening until the desired look is achieved. After a few months, collagen will then develop and form around the threads, resulting in an even lifting of the soft tissues.

Performed in the office under local anesthesia, FeatherLift is safe, quick and easy to perform. In as little as 2-3 hours, the Aptos threads are placed in the subcutaneous, or fatty tissue along the contours of your face. Once inserted under your skin, the Aptos threads will form a support structure for the tissue of your face. As little as two threads can significantly raise the cheek. Two threads can draw back the jowls.

The best candidates for the FeatherLift procedure are younger and middle-aged patients, or those with drooping of the soft tissue of the face and neck; flaccid, flat faces; weak pronounced aesthetic contours or for those patients with premature aging around the face and neck.

Before the FeatherLift procedure, the only option was the “classic” facelift with all of the risks, trauma and discomfort. Now with FeatherLift there is no complicated surgical procedure, less visible scarring and the long-lasting benefits of a “classic” facelift without the high cost and prolonged recuperation.

BOTOX® Cosmetic

BOTOX is the brand name for botulinum toxic A, a highly purified therapeutic muscle-relaxing agent. The medication relaxes the muscles in the face that cause wrinkles. When injected in small doses in specific areas, BOTOX injections block nerve muscles responsible for the repetitive actions that cause fine lines and wrinkles. In this way, BOTOX smoothes the lines in the skin that make you look tired or angry.

Using a very fine needle, a qualified physician or physician assistant will inject BOTOX Cosmetic into the designated muscles in your face that are causing lines and wrinkles. You may experience brief, mild discomfort during the injection. Taking only a few minutes, BOTOX treatment requires no anesthetic. Immediately following the BOTOX treatment, some patients may experience mild bruising, which will go away shortly. You will see your wrinkles begin to fade within days; with a maximum effect in 3-4 weeks. The effects of BOTOX Cosmetic typically last up to 3-6 months, although many have reported results lasting up to a full year. After several BOTOX treatments, the results may be prolonged.

BOTOX Cosmetic treatment will relax the muscles in your face and soften the skin, giving you a more relaxed and youthful appearance. For optimum results, many patients choose to use BOTOX in conjunction with fillers, skin rejuvenation therapy, and/or laser skin resurfacing.

Outcome will vary among patients and additional treatments may be necessary. There is no guarantee that wrinkles or folds will completely disappear.

Dysport®

Dysport is an FDA-approved injection treatment that reduces the appearances of fine lines and wrinkles by relaxing facial muscles on the forehead. Similar to BOTOX Cosmetic, Dysport is injected directly into the site of wrinkles to prevent the underlying muscles from contracting. However, Dysport can diffuse muscles one to three centimeters from the injection point, while Botox can only reach as far as one centimeter, allowing for results that reach further areas with just a single injection.

As we age, skin loses it elasticity and the creases in our face turn into permanent lines and wrinkles. This is most common on the forehead and around the eyes and mouth, which are where muscles that help us smile and frown are located. Dysport immobilizes these muscles to restore a more youthful expression to the face, and actually trains the muscles to contract less often after several treatments.

Dysport injections are ideal for nearly any patient who wishes to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face and restore a younger and more refreshed appearance. Both men and women can benefit from this procedure and experience the physical and emotional effects of an improved appearance. Dysport has been reported to work best in patients under the age of 65.

The results of the Dysport injection are visible within one to seven days after treatment, with most patients seeing results on day three. With less protein than BOTOX, Dysport is broken down more slowly by the body, and can provide results that last as long as 6 months.

Juvéderm® Injectable Gel

Juvéderm Injectable Gel is a smooth consistency gel capable of restoring volume to skin and smoothing away moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. It is made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the skin that helps add volume and hydration.

It is non-animal dermal filler of smooth consistency that allows for easy injection and instantly natural results.

Juvéderm Ultra Plus is for correcting deeper and more severe wrinkles and folds. This allows for a completely personalized treatment tailored by our healthcare professionals to meet your needs. The results make you look naturally younger, refreshed and can last up to one year. We do not inject Juvéderm under the eyes.

The injection itself usually takes approximately 30 minutes. There is minimal recovery time with Juvéderm. For the first 24 hours following treatment, you should avoid strenuous exercise, excessive sun or heat exposure, and consumption of alcoholic beverages in order to help minimize risk of temporary redness, swelling, and/or itching at the treatment sites.

Some temporary symptoms, such as redness, pain, firmness, swelling, and bumps, may occur but usually clear up on their own within a week. Any swelling at the injection site can be minimized with an ice pack for a brief period.

What are the results?

Most patients see an immediate improvement in the treatment areas and only need one treatment to achieve optimal results. Results vary and touch up treatments may be required to maintain results, but Juvéderm can smooth lines and wrinkles for up to a year. Outcome will vary among patients and additional treatments may be necessary. There is no guarantee that wrinkles or folds will completely disappear.

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