Plastic Surgeons Vs. Dermatologists Vs. Med Spas

Plastic Surgeons Vs. Dermatologists Vs. Med Spas

It seems like there are ads for professional beauty treatments done by plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and by nurses or estheticians at med spas and day spas. Is it safe to undergo cosmetic treatments at a med spa or day spa? Is it cheaper to get cosmetic treatments done at a day or med spa rather than undergo treatment with a trained physician? Here is a guide to help you decide when it is best to see a qualified doctor for treatments, and which treatments are best when you go to the spa.

Plastic Surgeons

Plastic surgeons have received specialized training in aesthetic surgery techniques. If you are planning to undergo a surgical procedure, it should be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon at an accredited institution. Some surgeons focus their practices exclusively on facial plastic surgery procedures such as face lift and rhinoplasty. Other surgeons focus on body procedures such as breast augmentation and tummy tuck surgery.

Some surgeons have expanded their practices to include non-invasive services such as Botox injections, laser skin resurfacing, and chemical peels. If you feel comfortable with your surgeon, and he or she has experience with non-surgical treatments, it is appropriate to undergo these treatments with a plastic surgeon rather than a dermatologist.

Dermatologists

Dermatologists focus their practices on skin care and can diagnose and treat a range of skin conditions. From acne and rosacea to wrinkles and stretch marks, the dermatology industry continues to develop new treatments that safely and effectively treat skin problems. Dermal fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm can be used to fill in lines, while laser light treatments combat acne. Because dermatologists are educated and trained in problems and diseases of the skin, they are qualified to perform medical-grade skin care treatments.

Med Spas and Day Spas

Medical spas are typically run by a plastic surgeon or dermatologist, but often have nurse practitioners on staff that also perform some of the non-invasive procedures on patients. The nurse's often perform medical-grade chemical peels and laser treatments on med spa patients, while the physicians inject dermal fillers and perform surgical procedures. Med spas often offer monthly specials or deals for new patients; however, patients must make sure that a qualified medical professional is performing treatment.

It is important to realize that treatments performed at day spas may be cheaper, but they are not considered medical-grade treatments and are not as effective as treatments that are performed under the guidance of a physician.

Learn about Dallas plastic surgeon Mark Deuber and Dallas breast lift.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_M_Morris

Plastic Surgeons Vs. Dermatologists Vs. Med Spas

By Chris M Morris

Skin Tightening - How Laser Treatments Firm Your Face and Stomach

Skin Tightening - How Laser Treatments Firm Your Face and Stomach

Loose sagging skin on our face, stomach, arms and other areas is very distressing to many of us. Loose skin or integument (integument - medical term for skin) makes us look old and out of shape, no matter how hard we work out and try to stay fit. In the past, effective skin tightening required plastic surgical procedures like face lift and tummy tuck. However, in the past few years, many new non-surgical and laser skin tightening methods have been developed. The new skin tightening technology has been steadily getting better as the machines improve and as doctors learn how to maximize the results achieved.

Today, often using a combination of different methods, substantial skin tightening can be achieved without surgery, a very different situation than just 3-4 years ago when Thermage, Titan, Refirme, and LuxIR Deep were introduced. There are many skin tightening advertisements that can be misleading, so you really need to be an informed consumer and understand the technology if you are going to achieve the result that you desire. Below I will explain how the new skin tightening technology works and which methods are the best.

How Non-surgical Skin Tightening Works

Tight, firm skin requires good elasticity. Elasticity means the ability of the skin or integument to snap back or tighten after it has been displaced or pulled away from the body. Good elasticity depends on healthy collagen and elastin fibers that lie very deep, near the bottom of the dermis, the deep layer of our integument below the surface. Collagen and elastin fibers act like small rubber bands that hold the integument tight against our body, and pull the loose tissue back when it is stretched or pulled.

Aging, sun damage from ultraviolet (UV) light, smoking, stress, excessive alcohol intake and an unhealthy diet and lifestyle all destroy collagen and elastin in the dermis and cause the integument to loosen and sag. Stretching caused by pregnancy or rapid weight loss after dieting or gastric bypass surgery also destroys collagen and elastin in the dermis and results in sagging and loss of tone.

All laser and non-surgical skin tightening methods work by stimulating the growth of new collagen and elastin in the dermis. When you heat collagen and elastin to 66 degrees centigrade, the collagen and elastin fibers shrink or tighten, and are remodeled with new collagen and elastin formation. The effect of this skin tightening and new collagen and elastin formation is that the deep dermis contracts and becomes firmer and the loose tissue is tightened.

The elastin and collagen lie very deep in the dermis, and the major challenge is to get enough heat deep down in the dermis to remodel elastin and collagen without burning the surface of the integument as the heat passes through the more superficial layers.

This has been accomplished by using very effective cooling devices that cool the surface while the heat energy is passed through the surface on its way to the deep dermis. Machines that have this ability are the Palomar LuxIR Deep, Thermage, titan and Refirme to name a few.

A newer method applies heat to the deep layers from underneath. New laser liposuction technology like SlimLipo uses a small laser cannula placed beneath the integument to melt fat. The heat also causes contraction and firming of the overlying loose tissue. This technique has been very effective for the tummy and neck or double chin.

Laser Skin Tightening

Old time CO2 and Erbium laser resurfacing did effectively tighten loose tissue. However, recovery was very difficult with lengthy healing time, prolonged redness and hypo pigmentation or loss of color after the procedure. These techniques are no longer widely practiced.

New fractional laser resurfacing techniques are a great improvement. By fractionating or breaking up the laser into many small beams, untreated areas are left to speed healing and complications are less common. The new fractional resurfacing techniques also can go deeper into the dermis to firm up the deeper collagen and elastin layers. Fractional laser resurfacing machines include the Starlux 1540 and 2940, Fraxel, ActiveFX, DeepFX, Profractional, and Affirm machines.

These skin tightening techniques can be used on and are most effective on the face. Because integument healing is required, these fractional resurfacing techniques are less effective in other areas such as the neck, stomach, and arms.

Lasers are not the treatment of choice for sagging and laxity of the neck, abdomen and arms. These areas require more heat energy that can only be delivered by infrared and radiofrequency machines.

Infrared and Radiofrequency Skin Tightening

The most effective surface applied skin tightening machines today use either radiofrequency or infrared heat energy to firm loose and sagging tissue on the neck, arms and tummy. These machines have sophisticated cooling hand pieces to prevent burn injury.

These machines can penetrate deeply into the dermis, down to 2000 microns where the elastin fibers are most plentiful. These deep treatments are necessary for maximum firming and skin tightening. Commonly available machines are Palomar's LuxIR Deep, Thermage, Titan, and Refirme among many others.

Understand that 4 treatments are usually required for the best result with most machines. New collagen and elastin production will not occur until 6 months after your last treatment, so it takes time to see your final result.

In my opinion, the best results are about a 20-30% improvement. Even better results are possible with higher energies using the LuxIR Deep which has superb new cooling system which allows us to more than double the energy we are using. The new LuxIR Deep cooling with increased energy delivery also shortens the duration of treatments.

Still, infrared and radiofrequency machines cannot yet achieve the same results that I can achieve with a face lift, tummy tuck, or arm lift.

Laser Liposuction

Recently, new laser liposuction technology called SlimLipo has produced remarkable firming of the loose integument and fat during the fat dissolving process. Because the SlimLipo laser fiber is placed beneath the integument, the laser beam has closer and more direct access to the subcutaneous elastin fibers.

Laser liposuction has been used successfully to firm the loose tummy, loose arm, loose neck, and to firm the hips and thighs. This new laser liposuction method will be a very important in years to come.

Which Skin Tightening Method Is Best For You?

Your choice of a firming method will depend on how much loose skin you have and where the loose skin is located. If you have wrinkles, sun damage and mild laxity around the cheeks and mouth, then fractional laser skin resurfacing with combined Starlux 1540 and 2940 lasers are your best option.

If you have good skin, and mild to moderate skin laxity of your cheeks, neck, abdomen or arms, the Infrared or radiofrequency skin tightening will give you a 20-30 % result. I use the LuxIR Deep skin infrared skin tightening machine made by Palomar.

If you have both fat and loose skin on your tummy, arms, neck, double chin, hips or thighs, then laser liposuction is your best choice for skin tightening. I use the SlimLipo laser liposuction machine made by Palomar.

How To Find A Doctor

Board certified plastic surgeons and dermatologists are the laser experts, but all board certified plastic surgeons and dermatologists are not experienced in lasers.

Therefore, you will have to do your homework and inquire of the doctors if they are experienced with lasers and laser surgery. It is very important to consult an expert. Although the nurse or medical aesthetician may do the infrared or radiofrequency integument firming, the doctor who supervises the treatment must understand lasers and light technology. Laser liposuction and laser resurfacing must be done by an experienced physician.

Today there are many non plastic surgeons and dermatologists who advertise laser and light services who are not experts at these techniques. You really need to ask the right questions and investigate. These new technologies can be dangerous and harmful in inexperienced hands.

Good places to look are the websites of the following organizations:

American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS)

Visit these websites and search for board certified plastic surgeons in your area. Visit their websites and see if the doctor offers laser and non-surgical skin firming treatments. Consult at least two doctors and ask to see photos of results on their own patients. Do not seek skin firming treatments in medical spas that do not have a board certified Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist, experienced in laser surgery, present on site.

See before and after pictures of laser non-surgical skin tightening. Read our free newsletter to learn about new laser and non-surgical face and body rejuvenation methods.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brooke_Seckel

Skin Tightening - How Laser Treatments Firm Your Face and Stomach
By Brooke Seckel

Laser Resurfacing and Laser Effects

Laser Resurfacing and Laser Effects

Laser resurfacing was the "it" treatment of the 1990s - and with good reason. By removing skin's outer layer, the procedure can lighten or banish discoloration, scars, and fine and moderate wrinkles, as well as tighten slack skin, giving the face a firmer, younger appearance. The high-energy beam of light can selectively transfer its energy into tissue to treat the skin. A dermatologist will use one of two types of lasers for laser resurfacing treatments: the deeper-reaching carbon dioxide laser is usually used for deep scarring. The more surface-skimming Erbium Yag laser is generally used on areas of lighter scarring and has less of an effect. Prior to laser resurfacing, it may be necessary to take medication to prevent infection with herpes simplex virus.

If your dermatologist is using a carbon dioxide laser, intravenous sedation is generally used; local anesthesia is typically used for an Erbium laser treatment. After skin is cleansed, your dermatologist will pass the laser's light over your skin. The condition of your skin immediately following the procedure depends on the type of laser your dermatologist has used.

What if your face features both deeply scarred and lightly scarred areas? Your dermatologist may opt for a dual-Erbium Contour laser. Kind of a dual carbon dioxide-Erbium laser, the machine lets your doctor use the deep-tissue carbon dioxide beam on your severely scarred skin, and the Erbium beam on the more superficially flawed bits.

Laser effects

After a carbon dioxide laser procedure, skin is raw and oozy for the first 3 or 4 days. Next, skin crusts, peels, and is ready for makeup after 2 or 3 weeks. Skin can remain pink for up to 6 months after treatment. After an Erbium laser treatment, skin is slightly raw and feels sunburned for the first few days. Skin then peels and is ready for makeup after 5 to 7 days. Because both types of lasers stimulate new collagen growth, you may notice continued tightening and firming for up to 6 months after the procedure.

Read more on Senegence lipsense and lipsense Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_Brain

Laser Resurfacing and Laser Effects
By Robin Brain

Advanced Laser Treatments Can Successfully Prevent Acne Scars

Advanced Laser Treatments Can Successfully Prevent Acne Scars

Do you know the name of skin condition affecting almost 80% of the total population, which has various types, results in serious emotional distress, and is comprised of four letters? If you guessed the skin condition was acne, then you are absolutely correct. Although the causes of acne are quite difficult to treat, currently dermatologists are employing advancements in laser technology in order to stop and prevent acne scarring that occurs from severe acne outbreaks.

At the 62nd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, researchers and medical practitioners presented new dermatological techniques currently being used against acne, including non-abrasive laser therapy.

The most frequently diagnosed skin condition in the US is not surprisingly acne, and as it can cause serious emotional distress to a person, this only fuels patients turning to dermatologists all over the country. Although studies have actually indicated that acne is not caused by lifestyle factors, such as stress or diet, patients continue blaming themselves for their acne problem. Instead, acne is actually caused by factors like excessive oil production, bacteria, and hormones.

Dr. Alster, a leading medical practitioner stated that his patients are sometimes confused as they hear conflicted advice. Then they spend a lot of money on over the counter medications, most of which do not work. By the time he sees them in his office, they are upset and disappointed.

Acne occurs on regions of skin that have a large number of sebaceous follicles, responsible for oil production, that are actually over producing. These areas include the face, neck, shoulders, chest, and upper back regions. These follicles, unfortunately, clog due to the over production of oil, and whiteheads and blackheads occur from the sebaceous follicles. Furthermore, once a blackhead or whitehead bursts, the infected substance contained within the follicle ooze out onto the surrounding skin. If an infection develops, it eventually creates the commonly-known zit. In some instances, if the zit becomes significantly infected, it evolves into a cyst. Eventually, if not treated, these cysts will heal over and create an acne scar once the outbreak has cleared up.

Traditionally, both oral and topical medications were uses to fight acne outbreaks, but sadly, the results were varied and not always successful. However, dermatologist can now add non-ablative laser technology to their list of tools used to combat acne, and more importantly, prevent acne scarring.

The major benefit to using non-ablative laser therapy is the capability of erasing acne while not causing damage to the epidermal skin layer, as compared to their ablative predecessors. The non-ablative laser technology actually works by affecting the sebaceous glands. The laser produces a powerful light wavelength that is absorbed by the skin and the water present in the skin. This then creates increased levels of heat at the sebaceous glands. Using the laser to produce minor damages to the sebaceous gland, the treatment actually affects the glands, reducing its ability to produce oil, thereby lessening the chances of an acne breakout.

The non-ablative laser therapy sessions take on average somewhere between 5 and 20 minutes to administer. Prior to treatment, a topical anesthetic will be applied to the treatment area - the only sensation the patient will feel is a slight stinging that last momentary. Afterward, the patient will be given an ice application to dull the remaining pain. In order to effectively remove the acne scarring, a patient will require between three to five monthly treatments.

Improved appearance will occur after just a few treatments, and a full series will give the patient clear skin for upwards of half a year. Laser therapy side effects are typically mild, do not hinder any activity, and should last only a few days. Side effects include mild irritation and possible swelling.

Non-ablative laser therapy can effectively be used to remove acne scarring that occurred years ago. Although acne scars are not a health risk, they can cause psychological stress and damage, especially as these scars can be near impossible to treat. In the past, techniques such as fillers, surgery, and dermabrasion were the tools dermatologists used to combat acne scarring, with the results often less than successful.

However, in recent years, advancements in laser technology have pushed laser therapy to the forefront. Originally, ablative type lasers were used to remove the very most upper layers of the epidermis. Fortunately, non-ablative laser treatments have become more common place, mostly due to their capability to stimulate collagen production, and avoid any visible damages in the process.

Nevertheless, we advise patients to only use certified dermatologists that have trained with laser therapy and can show experience. If in doubt, inquire about the doctor's medical practice history and qualifications.

Originally establishes in 1938, The American Academy of Dermatology is perhaps the most prominent and well-known dermatological groups. Boasting more than 14,000 dermatologists the globe, the association advocates: - Promoting the improvement of diagnosis and surgical, cosmetic, and medical treatment for the nails, hair, and skin. - Supporting higher principles for education, medical practice, and research advancements. - Improving and encouraging superior patient care for healthier skin.

Timothy Jenkins is a retired home builder, and spends his time writing, and staying fit. Tim's primary method to stay in shape is to combine running on his electric treadmills with lifting Olympic weights. Tim believes that the combination of weight training and aerobic running is the most efficient way to exercise, and delivers the fastest results.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Timothy_Jenkins

Advanced Laser Treatments Can Successfully Prevent Acne Scars
By Timothy Jenkin

Types of Dermatology Procedures

Types of Dermatology Procedures

Dermatologists are professionals in skin care as it pertains to skin diseases and conditions. These medical experts are cosmetic wizards, bringing gorgeousness to all that come to them. The procedures vary depending on the practice, but many dermatologists will have expertise in a lot of the procedures and issues listed below.

Acne Treatment. dermatologists acne treatments are super popular. Dermatology experts can eliminate embrasions with their popular laser acne options. These laser treatments take out and significantly notch down big acne difficulties.

Laser Hair Extraction. Whether its unsightly facial or back hair or somewhere else, there are a lot people on the globe that hate the hair they have, and go to dermatologists to solve their problems. Using lasers, they can remove hair follicles that have been resulting in them issues.

Wrinkles/Botox. many people have issues with the sight of their aging skin, and for that dermatologists have a few options. Laser resurfacing selections can make you come off years younger, and also, botox injections can fill out wrinkles and make you look younger than ever before.

Tattoo removal. for those with unsightly tattoos that they hate and want to discard of, tattoo removal is an awesome option. Laser tattoo removal is the most present procedure, as patients come in for several removals that will cut down the tattoo pigment and leave you looking like no ink had ever appeared.

Other procedures these medical experts take care of, although less frequently than others, are melasma treatment, birthmark removal, stretch mark breakdown, spider vein treatment, redness and rosacea, and extraction of neck and chest pigment. These procedures all pertain to the removal of some noncosmetic skin disease, frequently by laser.

Dermatologists dont save lives, but the happiness they grant better looking, more confident people is nearly as respectable. Their work is extremely vital in making people live happier, more loving lives.

Ross works for Celibre, which specializes in acne treatment Los Angeles. Celibre is a Los Angeles Dermatologist,

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ross_Michaels

Types of Dermatology Procedures
By Ross Michaels

Laser Dermatology - Focused Light to Treat the Skin

Laser Dermatology - Focused Light to Treat the Skin

The term laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Without getting too technical- this basically means that light source is specially focused into a very intense beam and is usually coherent, meaning it is reduced to a very particular wavelength of the light spectrum and is controlled to "vibrate" in only one plane. Some laser light is visible to the naked eye and some is in a part of the spectrum that can not be seen visually.

So, where and how does this focused light technology come into play in the field of dermatology and more specifically cosmetic dermatology? All lasers, regardless of type or wavelength, basically cause some form of localized heating to occur when applied to the skin. The trained laser dermatologist makes use of this epidermal or dermal heating effect to achieve a desired outcome. Some procedures may literally be designed to burn away a small portion of the layer of skin, while other procedures may be designed to cause some heating and slight burning of the skin layers with the intent to cause healing to take place which in turn causes new skin growth and a tightening effect. Lasers are also used to burn away undesirable growths such as tumors or moles and also to remove items such as tattoos or scars. Some of the most common dermatological lasers and their common applications are listed below. Each laser has a particular wavelength of light, a variety of beam focus and pulsing options and a variety of intensities allowing minor heating to major burning capabilities. The skill of the laser dermatologist is the key to a good laser outcome as the highly trained physician will understand how to apply the right laser in the right intensity to gain the desired outcome.

1450 nm diode Laser: This is a deeply penetrating laser that is very effective for treating acne and wrinkles. Typically, no recovery time is needed after treatment. The 1450 diode can even clear the most stubborn cystic acne on the face, back, and chest. This particular wavelength will also improve older and deeper acne scars.

CO2 High Intensity Super Pulse Laser: This is a very powerful laser generally used for skin tumors and skin cancer removal.

CO2 Silktouch Laser: A stronger resurfacing laser usually used for severe wrinkles.

Erbium 294 Yag Laser: This is a fast healing resurfacing instrument used for wrinkles, scars, and tumors. There is a new Erbium version called microerbium for fractional resurfacing with no down time recovery.

Fractionated CO2 Laser: This is a newer CO2 technology targeted for use in removing acne scars, wrinkles, surgical and trauma scars.

Long Pulse Alexandrite Laser: This version laser is most often used for hair removal on individuals with olive complexions.

Long Pulse Dye Laser W/ Cooling: This version laser is most often used for vascular lesions, stretch marks, scar revision, skin rejuvenation, acne treatments, and acne scars.

Long Pulse Ruby Laser: This instrument is most often used for hair removal on fair skinned individuals.

Long Pulse Yag Laser: This instrument is used for removal of unwanted hair on dark skinned individuals and also removal of leg veins, and general skin tightening. Also used for removal of fine hair.

Photo-Dynamic Therapy (PDT): PDT involves a chemical application that is applied to the skin prior to laser treatment for active acne and is also used to augment skin rejuvenation.

PhotoMedex XTRAC Excimer Laser: This instrument is most often used for treating psoriasis and vitiliago.

Q-Switch Ruby Laser: This is the most powerful laser for tattoo and birthmark removal and pigmented lesion treatment.

Q-Switch Yag Laser: This instrument is a common choice for tattoo removal, pigmented lesion treatments, acne scar removal, and general skin rejuvenation.

Q-Switch Yag 5 Laser: This laser is popular for skin rejuvenation, pigmented lesions, and removing tattoos that contain color.

Radio frequency Laser: This instrument is commonly used for non-surgical face lift and skin tightening. The procedure is an advanced way to tighten skin with the touch of a sophisticated computerized treatment tip to the skin. It requires no incisions and no recovery time. Excellent results can often be seen with just one treatment.

Short and Long Pulse Flashlamp Dye Laser: This instrument is most often used for vascular lesions, stretch marks, scar revision, skin rejuvenation, acne treatments, and removal of acne scars.

These are some of the more common dermatological lasers and their common applications. Some laser dermatologists will own and operate several of these instruments while some clinics may only own one or two particular lasers. It is really up the preference of the laser physician and what tools they feel they need to do the procedures that are the forte of their particular practice. Lasers have helped open up a whole new field of skin treatments and have also helped to make previously performed procedures faster and often less painful with much shorter recovery times and decreased chance of complications.

Always consult only a licensed physician or similarly licensed medical facility before undergoing any medical procedure.

For more information regarding laser dermatology and cosmetic surgery- please visit: http://www.dallascosmeticplasticsurgery.info/category/articles/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=C._Smithson

Laser Dermatology - Focused Light to Treat the Skin
By C. Smithson