Wrinkle Fix-It in a Snap!

While cosmeticians may enthrall you with cosmetic treatments, dermatologists will impress you with the most advanced procedures for total skin rejuvenation. Some skin procedures are quite extraordinary, basically because of the time required for preparation and recuperation. Among the more notable ones are treatments for wrinkles and fine lines.

Collagen injections are also dubbed as "fillers" because they replace the skin's natural collagen, helping plump out the lips and fill in fine lines such as crow's feet, laugh lines and shallow acne scars. Used by dermatologists for nearly two decades, collagen comes in three thicknesses. The thickest form is usually used in lip augmentation. Prior to treatment, patients are required to undergo an allergy test. After this, there's no limit to the number of shots that can be administered to a patient. There is a downside to collagen, however. The results of collagen are not permanent and injections are needed every three to four months to maintain the shape of the lips or keep fine lines at bay.

Botox is the treatment of choice for most patients because of the minimal preparation it required prior to actual treatment. When injected into the muscle, Botox has the ability to selectively weaken that muscle for prolonged periods. Using a very fine needle, Botox is injected directly into the muscle. The procedure is extremely safe and there have been no serious side effects. For cosmetic purposes, Botox is used to soften and erase vertical frown lines between the eybrows, horizontal lines across the bridge of the nose, horizontal forehead lines and radial crow's feet lines. It can also be used as a medical browlift to elevate the eyebrows and to relax the vertical sagging strands in the midline and adjacent area of the front of the neck.

New Trends in Removing Acne Scars

Acne vulgaris, or the so-called pimples, is a long-standing and recurrent condition of the oil glands. Heredity, combined with an interplay of external factors, contributes to the cause of its flare-ups. This skin condition has often been taken for granted, hence the results of pigmentation and scarring do come out.

Majority of the patients are very much concerned with permanent and disfiguring complications of scarring, be it elevated (hypertrophic scar) or depressed (atrophic scar). Scars from acne are caused by the damage from inflammatory lesions. And since no one can actually predict the depth of scarring, treatments should be individualized based on the scar's condition.

The objective of scar treatment is basically to refine the appearance of the affected area. It should be remembered that total skin restoration is often not possible, but scar treatments can help improve the skin's appearance.

Several modalities were made to correct such problems. Some of these include dermabrasion, diamond peel, and chemobrasion, among others. Whatever the case, it is important for the person with acne scar to discuss all possible options with her dermatologist -- then agree on the procedure that is appropriate.

According to Dermatology Times, a combination approach may be done to address the condition. "Ice-pick" scars would probably be treated with a combination of procedures so as to optimize the effectiveness of treatment and minimize the possibility of further scarring.

New trends involve the excising of these "ice-pick" scars, sewing them up, then injecting them with dermal fillers like collagen. After a week, the stitches are removed and silicone sheeting is placed over the scar to enhance healing and reduce the risk of hypertrophic scars. Patients are required to apply sunblock (wide spectrum UVA or UVB) round-the-clock for 6 weeks.

After this time, the scars have turned white and are ready for laser treatment. The type of laser, either Erbium or CO2, depends on the depth of scars. Touch ups through microdermabrasion or chemobrasion may be needed to refine certain areas.

Patients treated with combination approach are likewise advised to stay out of the sun. This is done so as to avoid blotching and pigmentation.

"The key to treating acne is good dermatologic care first. The doctor must give patients consistent emotional support because the results don't happen overnight. Frequent clinic visits are required at one- to two-week intervals to check out patients and encourage them."