INVASIVE SKIN TREATMENT PROCEDURES

For harder to treat conditions there are more invasive and sometimes surgical skin treatments that exist. 

Ablative laser therapy – This form of laser resurfacing focuses on the treatment of scars, especially those resulting from acne.  The laser softens the scars making way for the body to refill the region with non-scarring tissue.  Possible side effects include redness, infection and oozing from the site of treatment.  Loss of pigmentation or change in skin color is also possible.

Deep Chemical Peels – There are several methods to perform a chemical peel, some use chemicals that carry greater risks than others.  These are known as deep chemical peels.  An example is the phenol facial peel.  Further information on this form of treatment please see the section entitled Chemical Peels.

Injections (fillers) – Treatment with injections to treat aging and sagging skin has become an increasingly popular procedure.  The injections work by inserting a “filler” substance which leaves a smoother, plumper looking area of treatment.  There are several forms of fillers available today.   

Fat injections – The fat used for this procedure comes from the client’s own abdomen, buttocks or thighs.  The fat is injected into areas that have gaunt and hollow looking, usually a result of aging and gravity.  The fat injections can also plump up lip and cheek areas, although wrinkles and frown lines are the most common regions treated by fat injection.  Results of the treatment usually last between 3-6 months before a follow up procedure is necessary.  Puffiness and swelling are potential temporary side-effects.

Collagen injections – The collagen used for injection purposes is derived from purified bovine collagen.  In 1981, the FDA approved its use for cosmetic purposes.  Wrinkles, fine lines and sometimes scars are the main areas treated in this manner with treatment possible on the face, neck chest, and back.  Side effects such as bruising or swelling are short lived.  The length between treatments is extremely variable and depends on the patient.

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers – Several forms of hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane, Hylaform and Perlane are also available.  Restylane is discussed in-depth in a later section. 

  

Polymer fillers - other forms of injectable fillers, known as polymer fillers, include Fibril and Gortex.  Fibril is made from a gelatin powder.  This powder is mixed with the client’s own blood and then injected where the main result is a plumping up of the treated region.  Gortex is used in a similar manner but works differently.  Its function is to increase soft-tissue support to aid in decreasing or reducing sags and wrinkles.