Patients coming to our office often present themselves with a variety of skin concerns and conditions. Some have sun damage and fine lines. Many have facial redness or broken capillaries, and maybe some flushing. Others have concerns about pore size, skin texture, or deep folds and wrinkles. Most don't want to erase time, but simply want to look fresher, feel more youthful, and appear less tired.

Fortunately, with recent advances in cosmetic treatments, there are several solutions to most skin concerns. The truth is, we now realize that most require a multi-modality (therapeutic method or treatment) approach to achieve a superior outcome for patients. By combining different therapies, we are able to target many unique, individual situations in the most appropriate, effective manner. Patients win by achieving optimal aesthetic results coupled with higher levels of customer satisfaction.

As many of our patients already know, one of our signature treatments is the PhotoFacial (SM) Elite procedure. Developed by our founding medical director, Dr. Patrick Bitter Sr, this treatment was introduced to the world in 1998 as the first full-face procedure that successfully relieved the symptoms of Rosacea, including broken capillaries, general redness, and flushing. Now, this procedure is used to treat all types of sun-related damage, including visible brown spots, fine lines, and skin texture. Since its' inception, the PhotoFacial Elite procedure has adapted to meet the needs of many of our patients for a variety of conditions. In fact, we often combine the Photofacial procedure with microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, Botox®, fillers, Aminolevulinic acid, and prescription products to make sure we get the absolute best results for our patients.

Pretreatment begins by evaluating specific patient needs, taking into account their unique skin type, level and history of sun exposure, lifestyle, age, and current skin condition. Every patient typically presents a unique collection of concerns. As no two patients are alike, our approach is to address each patient differently. What's more, we have often treated immediate family members in entirely different ways due to small differences in their skin! Factoring in the individual needs and lifestyle of each patient, customized treatment plans are then developed.

Many of our patients have successfully undergone the PhotoFacial (SM) procedure. We have treated patients ranging from ages 16 to 70+! Even young patients with mild sun damage from teenage sun overexposure have benefited. Regardless of the circumstance, the number of procedures required will vary from patient to patient. Patients with more severe sun damage and lots of general redness and flushing will require more treatments, while those with minor sun damage and a few broken capillaries will require less.

We prepare patients for our PhotoFacial procedures by first utilizing either microdermabrasion or dermaplaning treatments. This "prep" serves several purposes. First, by exfoliating the top skin layer, we remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and stimulate the skin. Second, this allows us to aggressively target specific areas of excess sun exposure or acne scarring. The prep also creates a pink glow to the skin, which further facilitates and enhances the PhotoFacial light penetration into the skin.

For patients who want a more relaxed appearance, and a reduction of "animation" lines around the eyes, the forehead, and frown lines, we often combine the PhotoFacial procedure with Botox®. Although the PhotoFacial procedure alone will reduce the appearance of fine lines, it doesn't reduce lines in motion. A recent study demonstrated considerable improvement in crows feet by using a combination of both Botox and the PhotoFacial procedure. Theoretically, since the muscles are relaxed, minimal tension on the newly formed collagen from the PhotoFacial occurs, allowing the skin to remain smooth.

The PhotoFacial treatment does not treat deeper folds and creases. We therefore often follow a PhotoFacial procedure with a filler, such as Restylane, as a finishing touch. Restylane is also used to soften acne scarring, to reduce the appearance of sagging along the jawline, and to fill the hollows sometimes found under the eyes.

As an added convenience to our patients, our combination treatments are routinely performed on the same day, helping patients minimize the number of trips to our office. Likewise, we often do combination procedures on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, allowing patients to schedule some time off to relax, unwind, and recover. Downtime is minimal but there may be some transient redness and swelling. Most patients are back to regular activities in no time at all.

What's been presented here is but a small sampling of the many combination cosmetic procedures available in our office. A complimentary consultation will allow you to conveniently gather more information about these procedures and others that may best suite your skin type and concerns. We'll also answer any remaining questions you might have and then plan a treatment program appropriate to your schedule.