Cosmetic Procedures

Summertime means lazy beach days and long afternoons by the pool; however you don’t have to be a dedicated sunbather to experience skin damage from UV rays. Summer hyperpigmentation spots– dark patches that stem from an inflammatory process– can last for quite some time without proper intervention.

Reverse Summer Sun Damage

In most cases, sun spots, patches of discoloration, and freckles aren’t dangerous, but they can wreak havoc on your complexion and skin tone. At-home products can only do so much for these imperfections, which is why it’s important to seek hyperpigmentation treatment from a certified dermatologist.

From potent chemical peels to IPL photofacials, these professional-grade treatments can improve skin tone and reverse post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that has been caused or exacerbated by sun exposure.

Chemical Peels

When it comes to correcting blotchy and uneven skin tone, chemical peels are an excellent solution, and most entail little to no downtime. They can be applied to the face, neck, décolletage, and hands and are tailored in strength and actives according to skin type and aesthetic goals.

At Dallas Dermatology, we offer glycolic acid peels and VI peels, which combine a blend of powerful anti-aging acids and antioxidants that exfoliate the surface and deeper layers of the epidermis. By removing the dead and damaged skin cells, a more luminous and even-toned complexion emerges.

Glycolic peels are great for treating photo-aged sensitive skin, and stronger VI peels target melasma, sun spots, and areas of stubborn hyperpigmentation.

Genius Radiofrequency Microneedling

Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling has been shown to improve skin tone and mild hyperpigmentation in patients of all skin tones. Depending on the extent and depth of the sun damage, patients may see improvements in as little as one treatment, though a series of 3 sessions may produce optimal results. RF microneedling penetrates deeper into the dermis than conventional microneedling, and has the added advantage of tightening loose and sagging skin around the jowls and neckline. Studies have also demonstrated that Genius microneedling can be an effective adjunct to non-ablative lasers for treating mild to moderate melasma – a common pigmentary condition in middle-aged women.

IPL Therapy

An IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Photofacial is an in-office procedure that improves the appearance of brown spots, freckles, darker discoloration, and other signs of sun-damaged skin. This cutting-edge treatment uses light waves to penetrate the dermis, where pigment cells absorb the energy and are destroyed. Each session lasts about 30 minutes, and optimal results are usually seen after several IPL treatments spaced 4 weeks apart. An added benefit of it is firmer skin since it triggers collagen remodeling.

Laser Resurfacing

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is often joined by fine lines and wrinkles, especially in middle-aged patients with a long history of repeated sun exposure. In some cases, we may recommend a resurfacing treatment with the Icon 1540 non-ablative laser. This procedure is suitable for all skin tones and works by delivering targeted thermal energy to dermal tissue. With laser resurfacing, patients will note significant improvements in skin tone, texture, and clarity after two to three treatments.

After any hyperpigmentation treatment, a quality skincare regimen and daily protection with a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 35+ or higher) are critical to maintaining results.

Dallas Hyperpigmentation Treatment Dermatologist

Hyperpigmentation manifests in different ways, and no two patients are the same. For this reason, our dermatologists develop personalized treatment plans that consider your age, skin type, concerns, and expectations.

For customized hyperpigmentation face treatment that improves skin tone, texture, and radiance, book your Dallas dermatology appointment with Dallas Dermatology Partners. Our practice is centrally located to residents throughout Frisco, Plano, Addison, and the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex.

Women are much more prone than men to develop cellulite, which develops when connective cords that tether the skin to muscle pull down or stretch, pushing underlying fat cells against the skin. The result is a puckered or dimpled appearance that typically shows up on the buttocks and outer thighs.

While there is a genetic component to cellulite, there is no single cause. However, as producers of the fat-storing hormone estrogen, over 90 percent of women are predisposed to this common problem. It doesn’t matter if you’re heavy or thin, exercise daily, or adhere to a strict vegan diet– you can develop these pesky dimples on the lower body– and there’s no shame in wanting to get rid of it.

If cellulite on the thighs and buttocks is bothersome, you’re not alone. Can you get rid of it completely? Unfortunately, no. But there are some effective, non-surgical procedures at Dallas Dermatology Partners that can reduce it and improve the appearance of puckered and uneven skin.

Cellulite treatment for legs & buttocks

Diet and exercise have their place but do little for smoothing contour irregularities on the buttocks and legs caused by dense fibrous bands. For a smoother derriere, we turn to QWO (Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum) — the first FDA-approved injectable to treat moderate to severe cellulite. Our dermatologists are thrilled to offer QWO cellulite treatment to minimize contour irregularities on the buttocks and upper thighs.

How does QWO reduce cellulite?

QWO contains two powerful enzymes that break down the collagen fibers in the septae (fibrous bands) that produce the dimpled appearance of cellulite. These enzymes also stimulate collagen production that improves the integrity and smoothness of the skin.
The injections feel like a bee-sting and take around 15 minutes. There is little to no downtime, and optimal results are seen after 3 treatments, spaced 21 days apart. Bruising, redness, and tenderness are the most common side effects of QWO cellulite treatment for thighs and buttocks.

Ideal candidates for QWO treatment

Our board-certified dermatologists know how to treat cellulite on legs and buttocks and can determine the best candidates for QWO injections. Generally speaking, those with pronounced dimples caused by fibrous strands rather than loose skin are good candidates for this non-invasive treatment.

Skin laxity vs. cellulite

The injectable does not address skin laxity that can mimic the wavy appearance of cellulite. How do you differentiate between age-related loose skin and true cellulite? Lift the skin from the indentation or depression. If the dimple disappears, it is not cellulite.

If skin laxity is the issue, our dermatologists can address this with Genius RF microneedling that combines the benefits of traditional microneedling with fractional radiofrequency energy. In fact, microneedling for tightening skin is safe, non-surgical, and produces noticeable results within a few sessions.

Non-invasive cellulite treatment in Dallas

Interested in learning more about QWO cellulite treatment for buttocks? Our Dallas dermatologists welcome the opportunity to discuss your concerns and design a custom treatment plan in line with your goals. Please call our office or submit the dallas dermatology appointment request form to get started.

Every time you go outside without a full-spectrum sunscreen, the skin is bombarded by UV rays. They alter DNA and gradually break down collagen and elastin. Over time, this solar radiation causes serious damage to the epidermis while depleting essential fatty acids.

While many think of bronzed skin as a sign of vitality and good health, it’s a form of mild sun damage. Cumulative exposure to UV rays causes premature aging of the skin– resulting in dark spots, spider veins, fine lines, a ruddy complexion, sagging skin, and hyperpigmentation.

At Dallas Dermatology Partners, we offer a variety of non-invasive procedures to repair and rejuvenate photo-aged skin with minimal downtime. If you’re 25 or 55, it’s never too late to improve the health and radiance of your skin. Correct irregular pigmentation, rough texture, wrinkles, and other concerns with these non-invasive treatments for sun-damaged skin.

IPL Photo Facial for Sun Damaged Skin

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. An IPL photofacial is ideal for patients who want measurable results without a lot of downtime. This treatment uses multiple wavelengths of light to treat hyperpigmentation, broken blood vessels, large pores, and uneven skin tone. Temporary redness is the only side effect of this skin rejuvenation procedure that produces a more radiant, even-toned complexion.

Lasers

Our highly skilled dermatologists often recommend non-ablative laser resurfacing treatment for sun damage, whether on the face, neck, chest, or hands. Laser skin resurfacing can eliminate or improve the appearance of sunspots, melasma, fine lines, redness, and dull texture without a lengthy recovery. The Palomar Icon 1540 is gentler than ablative lasers yet can deliver impressive results in just one treatment.

Microneedling

Microneedling is one of the best treatments for sun-damaged skin and a terrific option for patients new to cosmetic dermatology. This 30-minute procedure utilizes a pen-like tool to make tiny pricks in the skin. In the coming days and weeks, collagen synthesis increases as the skin repairs itself and gradually becomes smoother and firmer. Microneedling is a cost-effective way to improve the appearance of wrinkles and sunspots.

Chemical Peel for Sun Damage

Chemical peels effectively correct irregular pigmentation, fine lines, and textural problems resulting from years of extended sun exposure. Typically, most patients will benefit from a series of 2-3 peels formulated with different acids to address specific complexion concerns. In addition, a chemical peel remedies summer skin damage by removing the outer layer of old skin cells.

Microdermabrasion

If bumpy, rough texture is your chief complaint, microdermabrasion promises dramatic results with virtually zero downtime. Unlike traditional microdermabrasion procedures that simply exfoliated, our practice features the DiamondGlow™ system that uses water to push potent actives and serums as it buffs away dull skin cells.

Genius RF Microneedling

RF microneedling is a more advanced version of microneedling that utilizes radiofrequency energy to address a number of concerns caused by UV exposure. Safe for patients with fair to dark skin tones, RF microneedling can be used on the face, neck, décolletage, chest, and other parts of the body to improve skin tone and minimize the appearance of scars, wrinkles and fine lines. The Genius microneedling radio frequency treatment tones and tightens photo-aged skin by boosting collagen and elastin production. While many patients see measurable improvements after the first session, most will benefit from a series of three treatments, spaced 4-6 weeks apart.

The Right Treatment for Your Skin Type

A board-certified dermatologist can improve the health of your skin and develop a treatment plan to help address age spots, wrinkling, laxity, actinic keratoses, and other signs of cumulative sun damage. Call today to book your Dallas dermatology appointment.

Winter is an ideal time to rejuvenate and refresh your skin with the help of Dallas Dermatology Partners. Whether you’re dealing with areas of post-summer hyperpigmentation or want to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, winter is the perfect time for cosmetic treatments. Many of these procedures require avoiding direct UV exposure, which can hamper healing or undermine the results.

With the holidays just around the corner and the days getting shorter and cooler, now is the time to consider these minimally invasive cosmetic procedures.

Top Winter Cosmetic Procedures

 

• Chemical Peels – can make you more prone to sunburn and hyperpigmentation, which is why these treatments are ideal during  winter. There are different types and strengths of chemical peels that can address common concerns such as melasma, sun spots, freckles, rough texture, uneven skin tone, and acne scars. Your objectives and skin type will dictate the potency and types of actives used.
• Laser Resurfacing – works wonders for triggering the body’s collagen production but leaves the skin vulnerable to UV radiation that can hamper healing. That’s why October through March is a smart time to schedule this anti-aging treatment. We offer non-ablative fractional laser treatments that improve the appearance of discoloration, fine lines, shallow acne scars, and textural irregularities.
• Microdermabrasion – can produce radiant, glowing skin with no downtime, but this professional exfoliation is better suited for cooler months when the sun’s rays are not as intense. This is because the stratum corneum– the skin’s outermost layer– is gently removed. Using the patented DiamondGlow™ device, our microdermabrasion procedure infuses nourishing, medical-grade products into the skin to help improve firmness, tone, and clarity.
• Microneedling – induces the skin’s self-repair mechanism and is useful for promoting smoother, more luminous, and youthful-looking skin. With repeated treatments, you can expect dramatic results in improving skin laxity, acne scars, and bumpy texture. Winter is the perfect time for this procedure since prolonged sun exposure after microneedling can cause hyper or hypopigmentation.
• IPL Photofacial – is the gold standard for treating sun-damaged skin, so it makes sense to have it done when more time is spent indoors and bundled up. Moreover, sun exposure after an IPL photofacial can increase the risk of hyperpigmentation, scarring, and other adverse results. This lunch-hour treatment uses intense pulsed light to improve skin discoloration, vascular redness, and wrinkles.
• Genius RF Microneedling – another non-invasive modality for skin rejuvenation in the fall, Genius microneedling has the added benefit of radiofrequency energy (RF) that is delivered at precise depths. The advantage of this cutting-edge technology lies in the long-term skin tightening effects. Like traditional microneedling, this treatment stimulates both collagen and elastin production to help address skin laxity. It can also improve the appearance of superficial acne scars, pore size, and fine lines. The super fine needles are coated for patient comfort and minimal trauma to the skin, which typically heals in 3-5 days.
• Laser Hair Removal – is most effective on fair, untanned skin. It is a safe and long-term solution for removing hair or thinning the growth of unwanted hair on the face, legs, arms, and bikini area. Because sun protection is crucial to achieving optimal results, this is an excellent winter cosmetic procedure.
• Sclerotherapy – Bothered by red veins on your legs? With sclerotherapy, a saline solution is injected into the spider veins, which eventually collapse and disappear. Since compression garments are mandatory for a week after the treatment, it’s best to schedule this during cooler weather.

Refresh Your Skin this Winter

Interested in cosmetic treatments that may cause photosensitivity? Now is the time to get to work on refreshing your appearance. Get started by booking your Dallas dermatology appointment today.

Posted by Dr. Lauren Dickson

Cosmetic lip injections are a common noninvasive procedure in which one can achieve more defined or fuller lips in less than 20 minutes.  It is important you choose your lip injector with care. Board-certified dermatologists are expert lip injectors that are well versed in the anatomy and the types of fillers that can be used, and demonstrate superior technique to achieve natural, yet meaningful results.  

What are lip fillers? 

Injectable dermal fillers are gel-like substances composed of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in your skin that binds water, that are injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lip lines or “wrinkled”, or enhance volume in the lips.  

What is the downtime after a filler procedure?

There is little to no downtime with fillers.  There is often some degree of swelling immediately post-procedure and for several days.  Icing the injected areas does decrease and shorten the duration of the swelling.

There is a risk for post-procedure bruising.  To minimize this risk, avoid any substances that can thin the blood, such as aspirin and NSAIDs, 2 weeks prior to your procedure. 

What should I avoid before having filler? 

Ingestion of the following substances should be avoided for 14 days before your procedure : Omega-3 fatty acids, Fish oil, Aspirin, NSAIDs (including Advil, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve), Vitamin E, Ginseng, Ginger, Gingko Biloba, Garlic, Green Tea, Alcohol, Salt.  Avoid dental work, including routine teeth cleaning, one month before and one month after treatment with fillers. 

How long do lip fillers last?

Typically 6-12 months. 

Are lip fillers safe?

Dermal fillers are FDA-approved and safe for injection. 

What do I need to let me doctor know prior to my procedure?

Please let your doctor know if you have a history of cold sores.  If so, your doctor will likely prescribe you an antiviral to prevent any cold sore breakouts.  

What should I expect during my filler procedure?

Numbing is applied 20-30 minutes prior to your procedure to minimize any discomfort.  The procedure takes approximately 10-20 minutes and is typically very well tolerated without pain.  There is lidocaine, a numbing agent, within the s

What should I expect after my filler procedure?

After injections with fillers, temporary swelling, bruising, redness, or soreness in the treatment area can be experienced.  In order to reduce or minimize these side effects, we recommend applying ice-packs or cold compresses to the injection sites for at least 15 minutes immediately after treatment (and continue to apply them every hour if you are prone to bruising).

Is there anything I should avoid after my filler procedure?

While regular activity can be resumed immediately after injections, heavy exercise should be avoided for the remainder of the day in order to reduce the risk of swelling and bruising.  

Are there any strategies to avoid or limit bruising?

Ingestion of the following substances should be avoided for 14 days before and 1-3 days: Omega-3 fatty acids, Fish oil, Aspirin, NSAIDs (including Advil, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve), Vitamin E, Ginseng, Ginger, Gingko Biloba, Garlic, Green Tea, Alcohol, Salt.

What can I do if I am not happy with my results?

The beauty of using hyaluronic acid fillers is that if you change your mind and decide you don’t want fuller lips or are happy with them for any reason, your doctor can inject an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which will quickly dissolve the filler.  

When should I contact the office?

Call the office immediately if you experience intense pain in the injected areas, severe bruising that is getting worse, or experience visual disturbances.

Do I need to follow up after my filler procedure?

It generally takes 1-2 weeks in order to determine your clinical response to treatment.  For lip fillers, we may recommend two sessions to achieve the desired outcome.

If it is your first treatment, it is advised that a follow-up appointment be scheduled at 2 weeks in order to assess your response to treatment

 

Book your appointment for lip filler with one of our board-certified dermatologists here!