Other Cosmetic Services

Chemical Peels...

There are a wide range of chemicals currently used to provide a superficial or deep peeling of the skin. These substances range from natural and gentle glycolic acids, to more caustic compounds like trichloracetic acid (TCA).

Chemical peels are useful in smoothing out the texture or coloring of your skin, improving wrinkles, sun damage, and superficial scarring. Since milder peels such as glycolic acid do not penetrate as deeply as TCA, it is usually recommended that patients undergo a series of these lighter peels to achieve optimal benefit.

One reason people chose a lighter peel is that only mild redness usually follows this kind of peel, and no time is lost from work or socializing.

Deeper TCA peels usually require up to a week of recovery time before the skin looks completely normal again. One can expect some transient stinging as the acids are applied, but discomfort is fairly minimal.

There are various concentrations used of glycolic acids and TCA, and it is important to note that even our light peels are substantially stronger and more effective than those performed in cosmetic salons. Following a peel one should avoid strong sun exposure.

Microdermabrasion...

Microdermabrasion, developed and introduced in Europe several years ago, has rapidly become a treatment of choice for those desiring a clearer complexion, healthier looking skin, and overall improvement in the appearance of sun damage and aging skin.

When this revolutionary treatment became available in the United States, it quickly became known in California as the "Oscar Peel" since celebrities would often have a microdermabrasion just prior to their public acceptance fo the famed award, so they, too, would look their best at that time.

There are numerous manufacturers of microdermabrasion units, and as a consequence, the terms "PowerPeel, Parisian Peel, DermaPeel" all refer to a similar process of microdermabrasion.

It is best to think of microdermabrasion as a gentle "sandblasting" of the skin. Fine disposable inert sand like particles are evenly jetted against the skin and almost instantly are vacuumed back into the system.

The gentle suction is particularly helpful in cleansing one's pores and removing blackheads. Whereas true chemical peels such as glycolic acid or trichloractetic acid are still useful in treating many of the same skin conditions, the depth of chemical penetration is always a variable.

some patients may be almost unaffected by glycolic acid while others may remain red for several days. It is also nearly impossible to focus the acids on the areas that require the deepest penetration for improvement. That is where microdermabrasion stands out.

Since the operator can literally increase the force of the particles bombarding the skin at any given time, as well as make repeated passes to achieve the desired depth, it is very easy to customize the treatment to one's specific problem areas.

Fine lines and superficial sun damage can show dramatic improvement following microdermabrasion. Improvement can also be noted in treating superficial seborrheic keratoses and lentigenes, commonly known as age or liver spots.

Certain forms of melasma, or hyperpigmentation, are also very responsive, as are superficial acne or post traumatic scars. Microdermabrasion is also therapeutic in treating comedonal (blackheads and whiteheads) and papular acne since it improves desquamization, and the suction generated helps unclog pores. Patients even find that stretch marks, especially more recent ones, are less apparent following microdermabrasion.

Although the most common sites treated are the face, neck, and hands, any part of the body can be microdermabraded. Because microdermabrasion is gentle, no anesthesia is required. For the most part, treatments are quite painless. I have never had to discontinue a session due to a patient's discomfort.

Following a microdermabrasion there is some erythema (redness), but this is usually transient, and in most instances will fade in hours. Moisturizers as well as makeup and sunscreens can be applied.

For best results we usually recommend a series of microdermabrasions, which can be done weekly, biweekly, or even monthly. By spreading the treatments over time, one can accomplish results without substantial down time like one commonly has following more aggressive procedures such as laser resurfacing. Occassionally, at a patient's request, we can condense a series and deliver a more aggressive treatment regimen, but in this scenario, more redness is produced and healing time increased.

An Eclectic Product Line...

The cosmetic and skin care industry is booming. How does a consumer separate which products have a scientific basis for their claims and which are simply hype?

In our office we carry a limited number of products which have been shown to have documented benefits when used properly and consistently. We carry a glycolic acid line that allows us to titrate the concentration of glycolic acid to the amount your skin can tolerate. This maximizes efficacy and minimizes irritation.

We also carry a topical vitamin C line whose anti-oxidant properties help to improve sun damage and the appearance of wrinkles. Our retinol skin care products have similar beneficial properties, and can be used in conjunction with the products described above.

We also have a full range of facial cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens. Dr. Reed regularly prescribes Renova for those looking to rejuvenate their skin, as well as Propecia, for those men experiencing male pattern hair loss. Most of our products are available by check or credit card for telephone purchase, or click here to view our entire selection of products online.

We encourage you to call to arrange a consultation to find out more about which products are best suited to your skin type.

Age Spots And Liver Spots...

These benign pigmentations are commonly seen on the face or hands, but can occur anywhere. There are a number of ways to fade or remove these lesions. Sometimes a gentle electrocautery is useful, other times acid peels or liquid nitrogen cryotherapy is used, and some lesions respond best to laser treatment.

Liver spots usually represent what dermatologists refer to as seborrheic keratosis or lentigenes. Although sun exposure can cause lentigenes to develop, seborrheic keratosis can be hereditary and are more prevalent as we age.

Rhinophyma...

Dr. Reed has experise in resculpting the nose of patients with rhinophyma (enlarged noses associated with rosacea).

Make a consultation appointment to speak with Dr. Reed if you or a loved one suffer with this condition.