Laser hair removal or photo based hair removal have been around since about the mid 90s and have become increasingly more effective and safe. The overall safety of any medical laser really resides in the experience of the physician who is using it. There are risks such as scarring, burns, and even possibly pigmentation changes in the skin. Grey, blonde and red hairs have always been more difficult to treat and people with those hair colors typically need more treatment sessions to get an adequate level of hair reduction. Cost is extremely variable at hair reduction centers. For example, I have seen the price of hair reduction for underarms range from $75-300 per treatment (usually requires 4-7 treatments). The cost of a dermatologist or plastic surgeon directly supervising the procedure in his or her office will likely be more expensive than getting hair reduction done at a mall or spa. The cost is also determined in part by the hair reduction system being used. Centers using a newer, more effective hair reduction system will likely charge more for their services. I hope that helps!   « less

Nothing can really "stop" the aging process, but there are definitely things you can do at home that can delay the natural aging process and prevent skin problems. Good skin care and maintenance such as wearing a moisturizer on your face with an SPF of 15 or higher is what I would recommend. As far as wrinkles around the eyes, otherwise known as crow's feet, those can be delayed by minimizing your exposure to the sun and wearing a sunscreen daily. If you are interested in treatment for wrinkles around the eyes, there are a few options. Botox is great for crow's feet and can help people look years younger. Fractional laser rejuvenation can also be done around the eyes to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. I hope that helps, and again, the single most important piece of advice I could give anyone is to use a daily sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, it can be in a moisturizer, make up or foundation.   « less

One of the first fillers was injectable collagen that became available over 25 years ago. It was a nice product, but didn’t last very long and had a small risk of allergic reactions. Today, there are a variety of new injectable fillers that are longer-lasting, more natural-looking, and more versatile. The newest fillers are Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse and Perlane. They are typically effective for 6 months to a year, and can fill in wrinkles, plump up lips, change the shape of the nose, and reduce dark circles under the eyes. The treatments are virtually painless, and only take a few minutes. The results are immediate. Patients can look years younger with minimal risk and return to work the same day. In the future, we can expect fillers that last even longer.   « less

Many people find Botox intriguing, but are alarmed by media stories about unlicensed practitioners. And, indeed, in order to get the most natural looking results, it is important to receive treatment from an experienced physician. Botox works by relaxing muscle contractions that can form wrinkles and lines. The results of a Botox treatment usually can be seen within one week, and typically last three to four months.   « less

Photofacials and IPL are really the same thing. IPL stands for "Intense Pulsed Light" – and these treatments use a specialized spectrum of light energy to treat brown spots, uneven skin tone and enlarged blood vessels. IPL or photofacial treatments are not really designed for wrinkles. They focus more on pigmentation and age spots. Some people, however, can see some reduction in their wrinkles with photofacial treatments. Other technologies, such as Fractional Lasers, are better for treating wrinkles. Although IPL technology has been around for close to a decade, there is a difference between the older machines and the newer IPL technology. There have been significant advances within the past few years, making the newer machines safer and more effective. Because there are so many different IPL devices available, I couldn’t begin to rank all of them. The best thing to do is consult with your local dermatologist on which IPL treatment she recommends.    « less

While there is no permanent cure for cellulite, there are treatments that can visibly reduce the appearance of the lumps and bumps. Many of our patients, both men and women, complain that as they get older, they notice the appearance of cellulite. The most recent advance in the technology of cellulite reduction is the release of the VelaShape treatment. It is a breakthrough solution in body contouring that can result in cellulite reduction and circumferential reduction without any needles or medications. It is the first FDA-cleared device for temporary reduction of thigh circumference and cellulite reduction. Patients have even noticed a decrease in abdominal circumference as well. There are also other machines available, and the basic technology available is Infrared light, radiofrequency, ultrasound or mechanical massage. They all strive to reduce the appearance of cellulite and shrink down the size of the fat pockets within our skin. Currently, none of them provide a permanent solution, and they all require maintenance treatments. The results of these types of treatments are dependent upon the expertise of the physician doing the treatment as well as the medical device they are using.   « less