Skin Care Problems & Solutions

ProblemTreatment OptionsDowntime/Side effects
Surface irregularities, wrinkles from sun damage, acne scarring, and melasmaFraxel Laser Resurfacing Need 3-5 sessions to see and feel results.Redness and swelling initially followed by bronzing and peeling for a few days
Fine wrinkles, uneven skin tone, rough texturePrescription creams -Renova-Avage, Chemical peel series, Microdermabrasion seriesCan be irritating or dying for some patients, mild flaking (1-5 days), none.
Deep wrinkling (wrinkles in motion)Botox (frown lines, forehead, crow's feet, other facial wrinkles)Bruising is possible. Other side effects are rare.
Deep wrinkling (wrinkles at rest)Fillers: -Juvéderm, Perlane, Radiesse, RestylaneSwelling, redness for 34-48 hours. Bruising possible.
Vessels/rednessIntense pulsed light series (Photofacial)Mild redness for a few hours. Swelling possible for 24-48 hours depending on treatment intensity.
Laxity and volume lossThermage, Fillers: -especially smile lines and lipsSwelling for 24-48 hours, results take 1-6 months, Swelling, redness for 24-48 hours. Bruising possible.
Body skin laxity and volume lossBody by Thermage Treatments (Abdomen, thighs, upper arms, hands). Swelling for 24-48 hours. Results take 1-6 months.
Brown Spots and mottled pigmentationCryotherapy- best for a few discrete lesions
Prescription creams: Hydroquinone, Renova/ Avage, Chemical peel series, Microdermabrasion series, Intense pulsed light series (Photofacial)		Redness at treatment site (5-10 days), Can be irritating or drying for some patients. Works slowly. Fades, but does not remove, Possible mild flaking (1-5 days), None, Brown spots may darken for a few days before exfoliating