We all have scars. Whether they’re the result of an old injury, common skin conditions like acne, or a change in your body or weight, these imperfections can cause you to feel less confident in your skin. Men and women of all ages seek effective ways to minimize their scars and achieve their ideal image. At Vibrant Dermatology & Skinbar MD in Dedham, MA, we’re proud to offer a variety of treatments that can noticeably reduce the appearance of scars and restore smooth, even skin.

Want to Reduce Scarring? We’re Here to Help!

While it might be fun to tell the story of how you got a scar, living with this noticeable skin condition can affect your self-esteem, especially if it is located in a prominent place on your body. There are many different types of scars and, depending on the depth and size of the area, they can take remain visible for your entire lifetime. Our talented team evaluates your scar and suggests the best treatments to reduce scarring. Most of our patients see significant progress in just a few appointments and are able to drastically fade their scars over the course of treatment.

What Is a Scar?

Scarring is one of your body’s most important healing processes. After your skin is injured, your body begins working to repair the damage almost instantly. This includes rebuilding the structure of the skin with new collagen, elastin, and fresh skin cells. While this process revitalizes the affected skin, it can result in visible changes, especially on the surface of the skin. Scars are often formed with thicker, more fibrous tissue than the surrounding healthy skin. They can appear uneven, smooth and shiny, or lighter or darker than your natural skin tone and texture.

While you can take some helpful preventative steps as an injury heals to reduce your risk of scarring, such as closing a wound with stitches or wearing a compression bandage, your final scarring results can be noticeably different from the rest of your skin. Many patients choose to use one of our top-quality treatments to further fade their scars and restore a more uniform appearance in the affected area.

How Should I Care for My Scar to Prevent Scarring?

You can do a great deal to reduce your risk of significant scarring by caring for your wound correctly in the first six weeks of healing. We recommend that you try to keep the area as clean and moist as possible. Wash the wound often with soap and water, then apply a salve, cream, or jelly recommended by your doctor to keep the area moisturized.

The appearance of your scar could be improved by the use of a compression bandage or stitches, which pull the edges of the skin together and can reduce your risk of developing wide scars or uneven scars like keloids. Finally, you should protect the healing skin from the sun to aid in healing and prevent discoloration. We recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+, which should be applied before you go outside and reapplied every 30-60 minutes for as long as you’re in the sun.

It’s estimated that harmful sun exposure causes over 90% of all common skin concerns, including fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, discoloration, and skin cancer. It’s essential to take care of your skin in the sun to protect your scar as it heals and avoid additional skin-related issues in the future.

What Are the Different Types of Scars?

Your body heals differently from various injuries. That’s why one of our doctors will always help identify your specific scar and recommend the best treatment for your unique situation. Here are some of the most common scars we treat:

Vascular Scars

These scars can appear bright red due to the high number of blood vessels collected in the affected area. These vessels often cluster right below the surface of the skin and can improve over time. Most of our patients seek treatment 6-12 months after initial scar formation to improve the appearance of the scar and fade the red color.

Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars

These scars can form due to excessive collagen production during the healing process. Some patients are more prone to keloids and hypertrophic scars than others, but anyone can experience this type of scar. The final appearance of the scar is often raised and lumpy, and the scar area can expand beyond the damaged area in some cases. It can be difficult to reduce scarring in patients with keloids, but we have seen great success with our treatment options.

Acne Scars

Acne is a notoriously challenging skin condition to treat. However, even when acne is successfully managed, the resulting scars can affect the texture and appearance of the skin. Acne scars can vary, but the most common are discolored areas of skin, keloids, or sunken pit scars. Many scars fade successfully over time, but patients who experience moderate to severe acne scarring can find great success in accelerating the healing process and achieving a brighter, more even skin tone with one of our treatment options.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

This type of scarring affects the tone of your skin. It is most common in patients with darker skin and acne, but it can also be caused by sun damage or irritation. These scars are dark red or brown spots in the skin, which create an uneven tone. While they can fade naturally over time, specific treatments to restore an even tone can greatly improve this condition in just a few appointments.

Stretch Marks

Most of our patients are surprised to learn that their stretch marks are also classified as scars in the medical world. Stretch marks often develop during rapid bodily changes, such as weight gain, growth spurts, or pregnancy. They can affect the arms, thighs, abdominal area, hips, buttocks, and even the chest and breasts. We offer treatments that can tighten stretched skin and fade stretch marks to achieve a smoother texture and appearance.

Which Treatments Are Available?

We’re proud to offer a range of treatments and want to help every patient find the best possible option. We offer some treatments which involve zero downtime as well as more invasive procedures, such as surgery, which require some downtime. In general, we recommend that all of our patients practice good sun protection after any treatment and follow their doctor’s instructions for recovery closely to ensure the best results possible.

Laser Treatment

Laser treatment is an excellent scar reduction treatment due to its fast-acting nature and positive results. We often use this treatment for vascular scars, which can be significantly faded when laser treatment is combined with good sun protection habits. Laser treatment can also be the best treatment for some post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation scarring. In addition, laser resurfacing helps rejuvenate your skin by removing the outer layer of skin.

Skin Resurfacing

We offer a variety of skin resurfacing treatments that can improve the appearance of almost every type of scar. Some less intensive options, such as microdermabrasion, use exfoliation to help accelerate the process of scar fading. More intensive options include microneedling, which stimulates new collagen in the skin, and chemical peels, which remove the top layer of skin and reveal fresh new skin underneath to help fade scarring.

Silicone Dressings

Some patients may be ideal candidates for silicone dressings, which can be applied to some wounds during the early healing process to reduce the risk of scarring. These clear, sticky dressings are considered less traumatic for the skin and are able to pull the edges of the skin together to create a more compact scar. Once the scar is healed, you can decide whether you want to pursue further scar reduction, and our team of experts can recommend the best treatment.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers–which are usually created with a natural substance such as hyaluronic acid–can raise sunken scars to the level of the rest of the skin. These fillers are often used to improve the appearance of acne scars on the cheeks, chin, and jawline. In addition to fading scars, this treatment can address signs of aging by restoring youthful volume to the face.

Topical Medications

Many types of scars can be faded or blended into the skin with a simple topical treatment. By applying a cream to the scar once or twice per day, most of our patients see a dramatic improvement in the scar’s color. This treatment is most often used for flat, discolored scars such as hyperpigmented areas. However, our patients have experienced great success in treating mild to moderate keloid scars with topical medications. This option is one of our least-invasive treatments.

Surgery

For some patients, surgery to improve the appearance of their scar is the best option. This is especially true for patients who have large scars or uneven scar tissue that can be improved with plastic surgery or Mohs Surgery, which is typically used to remove skin cancer. Our doctors can evaluate you for surgery and help you determine whether this option is right for you.

What Can I Expect?

When you choose to pursue treatment at our professional office, our staff is ready to answer any questions you may have at each stage of treatment. Every patient’s experience is different, but here is a brief idea of what you can expect when you choose to reduce scarring with one of our top-quality treatments:

Consultation

We always begin with an initial consultation, which allows us to examine your scar and recommend one of our many treatments. Our recommendation for treatment is based on the scar type, your skin type and tone, and any other cosmetic goals you may express, such as reducing wrinkles or improving overall skin texture.

Some procedures, such as surgery, require only one appointment. Other treatments require 2-8 appointments to produce final results. Once you are approved for treatment, our doctor will give you a specific list of instructions to help you prepare for your appointment.

Treatment

While we offer a variety of treatments, almost all of them take less than one hour to reduce the appearance of your scar successfully. Depending on the type of treatment and your skin’s sensitivity, you may be given a topical or local anesthetic to ensure your comfort during the appointment. Our doctor will explain the treatment process and give you detailed instructions to follow during recovery.

Results

You may see some improvement in your skin immediately, especially if you chose a skin-resurfacing treatment such as microdermabrasion or microneedling. However, most results develop over time as the skin heals and the scar fades. Our doctors will recommend a treatment plan based on your cosmetic goals and ideal image. Once your treatment is complete, you will notice a visible difference in your scar, which should be smoother, less discolored, and less noticeable. Best of all, you should feel a new confidence in your appearance thanks to your scar reduction treatment.

Contact Us to Learn More!

Don’t wait to reduce scarring and see your skin transformed! We invite you to begin getting rid of your scars by contacting us at Vibrant Dermatology & Skinbar MD in Dedham, MA today!

 

Non Surgical Nose Job Boston MA

 

When it comes to aesthetic issues, acne is one of the more common skin conditions that teens and young adults experience. Even adults later in life can experience acne, which makes cosmetic dermatology such an important practice. Finding the right treatment for your acne can be expensive and time consuming, and even if you find an effective solution you may be left with acne scars. We can find the right treatment for your acne, and if you are suffering from acne scars we can help with that too.

Our bodies and skin experience many changes over time, and it may be frustrating. While it may feel like a surgical procedure may be your only option, at Vibrant Dermatology, we proudly offer a range of services to rejuvenate your appearance! Dr. Ip personally performs treatment to minimize the appearance of signs of aging, deeply clean the skin, and more! Explore the possibilities during your consultation with us at our Dedham location.

What is Acne?

Acne comes in many different forms and it can show up on virtually any part of the body. Blackheads and whiteheads may be the most well-known form of acne, but cysts and nodules can be the most painful and frustrating. Different types of acne are also more prone to scarring than others, but it can depend on whether you pick at your skin.

Treating Acne

Cosmetic dermatology, in the case of acne, is finding the best treatment or combination of treatments for your needs. The goal is to help you clear your skin with as little damage done as possible. This may be through one treatment, such as a medical-grade topical, or it may be through a combination. We will work with you to find the best treatment and help you see skin you love in the mirror. 

Acne Scars

When acne forms, the pore becomes inflamed. This causes the pore to swell, which can cause the bacteria to spread through breaks in the pore wall. This creates bigger lesions, which can make your acne worse. It also causes a scar to form once the blemish has cleared up. 

Acne scars are often just as bad for your self-esteem as the acne breakouts were. Scarring can be difficult to cover with makeup, and if you find yourself dealing with the aftereffects of acne breakouts, then you may want to consider visiting a cosmetic dermatologist.

Treating Acne Scars

Acne scars form in different ways, including keloid and depressed scars. Each scar type may require a different treatment, so your treatment options can be discussed when you visit us for your consultation. Our dermatologist can examine your skin and recommend the best treatment option based on your skin type and scar type.

Aging/Rejuvenation

As time passes, your body’s production of important substances declines. Skin loses support and structure, resulting in fine lines, volume loss, and wrinkles. Injectables, radiofrequency light therapies and more may be recommended to achieve a more relaxed appearance.

Aging Hands

When it comes to getting older, many people claim that the hands reveal a person’s true age. However, injectables and laser treatments may help tighten skin, minimize imperfections, and promote targeted volume increases.

Broken Capillaries

Broken capillaries are enlarged or broken blood vessels that may occur on most areas of the body. They often appear as red lines or squiggles and may be associated with overall redness, but laser therapy may help manage and reduce the appearance and promote a refreshed complexion.

Brown, Sun, or Age Spots

Brown spots or age spots may occur from a variety of reasons, but one of the most common is sun damage. These spots may pose no threat to health, but it is important to seek the care of a cosmetic doctor like Dr. Ip for a professional opinion. She may recommend laser therapy, facial treatments, skin care products, or similar options.

Dull Skin

Dull skin is skin that does not appear bright or healthy. It is often a result of a buildup of excess dead skin cells. It may be at least partly caused by poor skin care habits. A variety of treatments, such as chemical peels and microdermabrasion, are available to help remove excess dead skin cells and encourage cell turnover.

Excessive Sweating

Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, is a frustrating condition that causes an above average amount of sweating. However, injectable treatments, such as Botox and Xeomin, are able to block the signals that cause sweating. Fractora, fractional radiofrequency can permanently reduce or stop excess sweating.

Jaw Reshaping

Enhancing your profile may feel like it requires a surgical procedure, but injectable treatments are available to promote a redefined, sleek jawline. These injectables may achieve a smoother appearance by reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles and by adding or reducing volume.

Loose Sagging Skin

Loose sagging skin may be the result of your body not producing enough collagen or elastin. This may leave skin unsupported, but injectables provide targeted volume increases, while radiofrequency and light therapies may effectively promote the new production of important tissues.

Melasma

Melasma is a skin condition that results in brown patches on the skin, particularly facial areas. Although there is no pain or risk associated with the condition, it may be frustrating. However, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and similar options may promote more even, refreshed skin.

Redness/Rosacea

Chronic facial redness, or rosacea, is characterized by redness or potentially small bumps on the face. Although it does not pose much risk to health, if it is untreated it may worsen. It is important to seek the professional opinion of a doctor, such as Dr. Ip.

Non-Surgical Nose Job

The nose is essential to providing an appealing profile and facial symmetry. A non-surgical nose job utilizes dermal fillers to restructure and enhance the appearance of the nose without the need for an invasive surgical procedure.

Spider Veins

Spider veins are a very common occurrence, and they are small blood vessels that occur in web-like structures on the skin. They may be the result of other conditions, but a professional medical opinion can help diagnose and understand your condition as well as recommend the best treatment for you.

Tattoo Removal

Although tattoos are fairly common, some people come to regret their ink. However, tattoo removal is possible with the help of laser energy! Dr. Ip can effectively remove dark colored ink to eliminate a tattoo.

Thin Lips

Thin lips can be frustrating, and having full, luscious lips may feel impossible to achieve. However, injectable treatments allow you a non-surgical option to achieve the more balanced, fuller lips you desire.

PFB or Razor/Shaving Bumps

PFB (pseudofolliculitis barbae) are most commonly known as razor bumps. These are small red bumps, sometimes with significant inflammation, on the skin caused by trapped hairs, often after shaving. While there are creams and over-the-counter products to help manage and reduce them, laser technology offers an effective solution for smoother skin.

Under Eye Hollows/Circles

The area around the eyes can reveal many unwanted signs of aging. Saggy skin, wrinkles and under eye circles may lead you to feeling your appearance makes you look older or more tired than you feel, but skin care products, radiofrequency treatment or injectables may help.

Uneven Pigment

Uneven pigmentation or hyperpigmentation is often caused by sun damage. An uneven skin tone can be frustrating, but a variety of facial treatments or skin care products may be utilized to encourage cell turnover to promote an even, rejuvenated appearance.

Unwanted Hair

Unwanted body hair can be frustrating, and constantly shaving or waxing may feel tedious and time-consuming. Laser hair removal is one of the most popular cosmetic dermatology treatments as it effectively reduces hair growth for smoother skin.

Wrinkle Reduction

Wrinkles are one of the most common signs of aging. Injectables make non-surgical wrinkle reduction possible for a smoother appearance. Dermal fillers and neuromodulators are both effective choices, but they offer benefits for different types of wrinkles. 

 

Non Surgical Nose Job Near Me

Dermatologists are medical professionals that specialize in treating conditions that affect the skin, hair, and nails. As such, they are trained to manage a wide variety of conditions that affect millions of Americans. Besides offering treatment services, premier dermatology centers such as Vibrant Dermatology & Skinbar MD in Dedham, MA provide cosmetic dermatology services that focus on giving clients a youthful appearance by reversing aging signs and making aesthetic changes or skin improvements.

Conditions We Can Treat at Our Premier Dermatology Center

Acne and Cysts

Acne is the most common skin condition globally, with medical data showing that around 80% of the world’s population will have acne at least once in their life. It occurs when body oil and dead skin cells clog hair follicles, forming red, white, or yellow pimples on the skin.

Although acne is more common in teenagers and young adults, it can also occur in adults because of stress, a poor diet, pregnancy, hormonal imbalance, or certain medications. Cysts are severe acne that occurs on the face, chest, arms, neck, and back.

Melanoma and Other Skin Cancers

Melanoma is the most severe type of skin cancer. It also grows and spreads faster than other types of skin cancer. Fortunately, melanoma is easily and effectively treated when detected early. In Caucasian patients, melanoma often occurs on body parts exposed to direct sunlight for long periods.

In people of color, melanoma is more likely to occur in areas that do not see much sunlight, such as on the palms, soles of the feet, and underneath the nails. Other common types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Autoimmune Disorders

As the body’s biggest organ, the skin is susceptible to the adverse effects caused by many conditions, including autoimmune disorders. Besides affecting internal organs, conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus also affect the health of the skin.

Patients with this condition often notice an appearance of a rash of widespread redness on their nose and cheeks. A dermatologist can tell whether the symptoms appearing on the skin are linked to an underlying health condition.

Hair Loss

Many people incorrectly assume that hair loss, balding, and thinning affect men only. However, women and children can also experience hair loss. The process of hair loss is not uniform for everybody and can occur due to varying reasons.

For example, genetic hair loss appears in the form of a receding hairline or bald patches at the top of the head in men while appearing in the form of a widening part or thinning hair in women. Causes of hair loss include:

• Stress
• Autoimmune diseases, such as alopecia areata
• Certain medications
• Unhealthy diet
• Rapid weight loss
• Childbirth
• Consistent pulling on the hair
• Genetics

 

Allergic Reactions

At a premier dermatology center, we also treat a wide variety of allergic skin reactions. Some of the most common types of skin reactions include:

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

This type of skin reaction occurs when the skin comes into contact with something you are allergic to. Common irritants include soaps, jewelry, cosmetics, and poison ivy.

Urticaria or Hives

These are bumps that develop on the skin after an allergic reaction. Also known as welts, hives occur after eating food or medications you are allergic to.

Angioedema

Often appearing at the same time with hives, angioedema is swelling that occurs deep in the skin. They are more likely to develop on the lips, eyelids, and throat. They are triggered by irritants, such as pollen, animal dander, food, medication, or venom.

Anaphylaxis

This is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs within minutes of contact with an allergen. Anaphylaxis requires urgent medical attention. The most common symptoms include hives, itching, swollen lips, mouth, and tongue. Severe symptoms include respiratory problems, low blood pressure, unconsciousness, or death. Anaphylaxis can be caused by irritants such as peanuts and bee stings.

Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)

Hyperhidrosis is characterized by excessive sweating that can start in the teenage years. This condition can affect both men and women. Excessive sweating occurs on the forehead, hands, armpits, and back.

Nail Fungus

Some people are more susceptible to nail fungus than others. Conditions such as weak immunity and diabetes increase one’s risk of developing nail fungus. Poorly cleaned manicure and pedicure tools at a beauty spa can also contribute to the condition. The use of acrylic and fake nails can also cause nail fungus.

Shingles

A weak immune system and old age increase the risk of developing shingles. Shingles are caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. When people recover from a chickenpox attack, the virus remains in the body in a dormant state for decades. However, certain triggers, such as stress and low immunity, can reactivate the virus, causing shingles.

Rosacea

Rosacea is characterized by easy, frequent, and noticeable blushing in the early stages of life. Contrary to popular belief, people of color can also suffer from this condition. Although women are more vulnerable to rosacea, it can affect everyone else, including men, children, and teenagers. Men are at an increased risk of developing severe types of rosacea. The exact causes of the condition are yet to be known.

Keloids

Keloids occur when the body produces excess proteins during the healing process after an injury, surgical incision, burns, insect bites, or acne spots. Medical researchers are yet to understand why these healing wounds develop into large, bulbous distinctive scars instead of normal scars. Keloids are also uneven, dark, and can increase in size with time.

Psoriasis

Although psoriasis’ exact causes are not known, health experts believe it is a skin disorder that occurs when the immune system mistakes healthy skin cells for a foreign invader, triggering the body to produce skin cells up to 10 times faster than usual. This causes a buildup of skin cells that form into scales and itchy, dry patches. Triggers include stress, infections, cold and certain medications.

Lipomas

Lipomas are fatty tumors that develop between the skin and underlying muscle layer, causing a lump. Although the exact causes of lipoma are unknown, people with a family history of lipomas and those who experience an impact injury on a fatty area are more likely to develop lipomas. Other conditions, such as Gardner Syndrome and Madelung’s disease, can contribute to the formation of these fatty lumps.

Other Conditions

We also treat and help manage:

• Melasma
• Vitiligo
• Warts
• Hyperpigmentation and brown spots
• Benign growths (seborrheic keratoses and skin tags)
• Birthmarks and moles
• Scars

 

Cosmetic Dermatology Services

Besides offering relief to patients who suffer from skin, hair, and nail conditions, at our premier dermatology center we also have a keen interest in helping our clients maintain a youthful and radiant appearance. To achieve this, we offer:

Acqua Facial

As the name suggests, an Acqua Facial involves using water to provide deep exfoliation, infusion, and extraction to enhance your skin’s appearance. This is a safe, painless, and non-invasive method of unclogging the pores and removing dead skin cells.

Skin Rejuvenation

Our NeoSkin skin rejuvenation treatments can reverse the signs of aging by improving the appearance of age spots and sunspots. This laser treatment can also reverse the damage caused by rosacea and broken capillaries, leaving you with smooth, even-toned skin.

Additionally, since the doctor will examine your skin before this treatment, they can detect any unusual skin spots. This can help in the prevention and early detection of serious skin conditions.

Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin Injections

The earliest sign of aging is the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and creases on the forehead, neck, and around the mouth and eyes. These injections are effective in preventing and improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and creases. They block the nerve signals that cause muscle contraction, preventing the facial expressions that contribute to fine lines and wrinkles.

Juvederm

As a hyaluronic acid injectable gel, Juvederm restores volume and improves hydration in the skin. As we grow older, our bodies produce less hyaluronic acid and collagen, leading to volume loss. This causes wrinkles and facial folds. Juvederm treatments are ideal for restoring volume in midface, treating smile lines and marionette lines, and lip augmentation.

Non-Surgical Face Lift (Liquid Lift)

Have you wondered how you can look like the younger version of yourself without the risk, cost, and downtime that comes with a major surgery? A non-surgical facelift could be the answer. Also known as a liquid lift, a non-surgical facelift includes several treatments to reverse aging signs.

We use dermal fillers to restore volume, neurotoxins to make the skin smoother, chemical peels to improve the skin’s texture, and laser treatments for total facial rejuvenation.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment option for reticular veins and spider veins. These are small visible veins that occur in the legs because of age, injury, or a chronic skin condition. Although these veins do not pose any health risks, some people prefer not to have them.

Radiesse

Radiesse is a filler that improves facial appearance by reducing wrinkles on the cheeks and mouth area. It is effective against marionette lines and smile lines. It can also restore volume in the cheeks, improving facial features. The FDA has also recently approved it for hand rejuvenation.

Laser Treatments for Hyperpigmentation and Melasma

People with hyperpigmentation or melasma notice brown spots that appear on the nose, forehead, lips, chin, and around the cheeks. Several factors can contribute to melasma, including prolonged exposure to sunlight, hormonal imbalance, certain medications, and genetics. This condition is more common in women. We use safe and effective laser treatments to target the pigment-producing cells that cause discoloration and brown spots.

Stretch Mark Treatments

Also known as striae, stretch marks appear on the skin due to rapid weight gain or weight changes. They are harmless and can appear on the skin of both men and women. Women are more likely to get stretch marks during puberty and pregnancy. Although they are not an indication of poor health or an underlying condition, they can be a source of cosmetic concern. Treatment options for stretch marks include:

• Laser treatments
• Microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
• Dermal fillers
• Topical treatments

 

Kybella

The FDA approved Kybella in 2015 as a treatment option for fat that appears under the chin. It is an effective and well-tolerated alternative to cosmetic procedures such as liposuction.

Other Cosmetic Dermatology Services

We also offer the following services at our premier dermatology center:

• Hair loss treatments
• Laser treatments for facial veins
• Laser acne treatment
• Restylane (an injectable gel that restores volume and improves hydration)
• Sculptra (a dermal filler that restores volume)

 

Try Us

The skin is the largest body organ, making it vulnerable to a wide variety of conditions. The health of the skin, hair, and nails is so important that we have a whole branch of medicine dedicated to them. To access all the dermatology services you need in one place, contact Vibrant Dermatology & Skinbar MD in Dedham, MA!

Our skin is unique as we are, and each skin type faces its own set of challenges. When you’re searching for an African American dermatologist near me, you want to be sure that the doctor you find online will actually know about your skin concerns and be qualified to provide the help you need. At Vibrant Dermatology in Dedham, MA, Dr. Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip has a passion for providing everyone in the Boston area with the best skincare, no matter their skin type.

Are You Being Adequately Served?

Much of traditional dermatology in the United States is aimed at Caucasian skin, and there are a number of cosmetic treatments, like certain laser and IPL treatments, that only work safely for those with lighter skin. Even many skincare products are designed only with lighter skin colors in mind and can cause hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation in African Americans.

Surveys show that many people of color feel their skin conditions aren’t being accurately diagnosed or treated. That’s why it’s crucial that in your hunt for an African American dermatologist near me, you find someone who truly understands what your skin needs.

Challenges to African American Skin

Exogenous Ochronosis

If you’re experiencing discoloration of areas of your skin, especially around the face and eyes, you could be suffering from exogenous ochronosis. This condition can be caused by using skincare products that contain hydroquinone, and particularly products made to lighten the skin. In some cases, it can develop from spending too much time in the sun.

Hydroquinone should only be used sparingly, and if you’re currently using products that contain this ingredient—even if you don’t see any discoloration of your skin—talk to us. We can help you limit your use of these products while still getting the results you want through other treatments, like chemical peels or laser treatments.

Acne

Acne happens to nearly everyone at some point in life, and for African Americans, treating it can present unique challenges. Many of the products on the market are too harsh for ethnic skin and can lead to peeling, inflammation, drying, and darkening of the skin.

Acne manifests in many forms, and each needs to be treated in a specific way. It’s important to know, too, that acne isn’t just a “teenager” problem. It can appear in men and women well into their 30s, 40s, and beyond.


Options for Treatment

The right treatment for your acne will depend on what’s causing it, what type of acne you’re suffering from, and your skin type. At Vibrant Dermatology, we offer chemical peels, topical treatments, extractions, laser treatments, and prescription medications that can address your unique needs. We can also design a skincare routine that will help you get your acne under control.

Keloids

Keloids are a common problem for African American skin. Sometimes they appear in skin that’s suffered a trauma of some kind, but they can also appear in normal skin with no apparent cause. For African Americans, in particular, earlobe keloids are the most common issue.

A keloid is simply a type of thick scar. In some cases, they appear entirely spontaneously. In other cases, they form because the body is trying to close up a wound quickly to prevent infection. The body prioritizes keeping itself safe from infection over appearance, creating a large bump of scar tissue quickly instead of forming fresh, smooth new skin.

Options for Treatment

Dr. Ip is a specialist in the needs of ethnic skin, and she can help you understand your keloid issue and find the right treatment for your condition. Treatment options range from steroid injections to surgical removal: we will find the right treatment for your needs.

Seborrheic Keratosis

Seborrheic keratosis is most common in older people, but it can appear in nearly anyone. These are benign growths that are sometimes called skin tags. In most cases, they don’t pose any medical danger, but they can be unsightly and pose a risk of bleeding and pain if they’re in a spot where they can be torn or ripped. For those with darker skin, these growths are often smaller, but they’re very noticeable because they appear around the eyes and upper face.

Options for Treatment

We can offer a variety of ways to get rid of your seborrheic keratosis or other types of benign growths and skin tags. In most cases, the fastest and best way to get rid of them is either through cryosurgery, which freezes off the skin tags, or through electrodesiccation, which burns them off. 

Both treatments are fast, painless, and don’t involve extensive downtime or a long recovery period.

Psoriasis

In the past, it was commonly believed that psoriasis only affected those with fair skin. While the majority of people living with psoriasis do have lighter skin, we now know that it can affect skin of any type or color. Psoriasis is a tricky diagnosis for African Americans since it can present in a number of different ways and with different symptoms. You need a qualified, expert dermatologist to diagnose the issue and find the right treatment.

Psoriasis has to do with the immune system, and it also has a genetic component. If you have a family member with this skin issue, you are much more likely to get it yourself. The areas of red, scaly, and often itchy skin that characterize the condition come up as the body produces skin cells too quickly in that area. And even if you’ve gotten it under control in the past, it’s possible to have a flareup during times of stress or illness, after taking certain medications, or when the weather turns colder.

Options for Treatment

In most cases, the first treatment for psoriasis is a topical steroid. There are also prescription medications that can address the problem. At Vibrant Dermatology, we also use the Aerolase laser as a treatment. The laser can close down the blood vessels feeding the psoriasis plaques and stop the skin from growing too quickly.

Melasma

Melasma can appear in anyone, but it’s more common in women than in men and found more often in those with darker brown skin. It often appears in places where you’ve gotten a lot of sun exposure, but it can also be triggered by hormonal changes. For many women, these happen during pregnancy or while taking birth control. The condition presents as blotchy areas of pigmentation in the face.

Options for Treatment

The first step to getting treatment is to understand your unique skin issues. We may recommend topical creams, alternate birth control methods, laser treatments, chemical peels, or particular skincare products that can help the issue. It will all depend on your needs and goals.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Again, hyperpigmentation can happen to anyone, but post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is more common in those with darker skin. This type of hyperpigmentation usually appears as a result of acne scarring, but it can appear at any time the skin is injured. The good news is that these spots are almost always benign, but that doesn’t make them any easier to live with.

Options for Treatment

Dr. Ip has special expertise in treating African American and other ethnic skin types, and she will work with you to determine the precise cause of your hyperpigmentation and the best treatment. Treatment options include chemical peels, facials, cosmeceuticals, and laser treatments.

Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN)

This noncancerous skin condition is most often seen in people of African American heritage, though it can affect others with darker skin. It presents as small, hyperpigmented, asymptomatic papules that grow on the face. The papules are usually about 1-5mm in diameter, smooth, and black or dark brown.

DPN has a strong genetic component, and 40% to 50% of those who have it come from a family with a history of the condition. The condition has to do with a developmental defect in hair follicles. These papules are most often found on the cheeks and forehead, but occasionally they appear on the upper back and chest or on the neck.

Options for Treatment

While DPN isn’t a danger, many people would prefer to be rid of their papules if possible. If you’re unhappy with your skin, come talk to us at Vibrant Dermatology. We offer cryotherapy, electrodesiccation, curettage, and laser therapies that may be right for your condition.

Vitiligo

Vitiligo can appear in men or women, and it’s often most distressing when it manifests in children. It can happen to people of any skin color, but it’s often most noticeable, and hence most troubling to the patient, in African American skin. This autoimmune disorder tends to run in families.

As with other autoimmune conditions, the body attacks its own cells—in this case, the cells that produce the pigment for your unique skin tone. The result is areas of drastically different pigmentation. These areas can be generalized and appear everywhere, or they may concentrate in areas like the lips, fingers, and toes.

Options for Treatment

This is one of the most challenging skin conditions to treat because it’s poorly understood. While we know what causes the condition, we don’t know how to stop the autoimmune disorder or all the triggers that can set it off. Dr. Ip will work closely with you to understand your needs and find ways to stop or slow further depigmentation.

Options for stopping the condition include corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors. Laser and light therapies can also help. This is a particularly distressing condition, so if you’re suffering from vitiligo, don’t wait to seek help also 5-minute nose job can help a lot.

Shingles

Shingles are caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox: the varicella-zoster virus. While chickenpox is typically a mild disease for children, shingles in adults can be very painful, and anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk for this disorder. It’s simply a re-activation of virus cells that have been hiding in the nervous system since the original chickenpox outbreak.

The first sign of this issue is burning or tingling or numbness, followed by blisters and a rash. This rash appears most often around the waistline. The pain of shingles varies from mild itching to intense pain even from a light tough.

Options for Treatment

Unfortunately, ti’s impossible to prevent shingles, but a varicella-zoster vaccine can provide the protection you need. If you’re over 50 and have ever had chickenpox, it’s a good idea to get the vaccination to prevent the virus from becoming active again.

If you already have shingles, we can help. We can offer antivirals and other medications that can make the outbreak shorter and less severe. The earlier you get treatment, the better the outcome, so come to see us as soon as you notice any new skin sensitivity like tingling, burning, pain, or numbness.

Find an African American Dermatologist You Can Trust

If you’ve been hunting for an African American dermatologist, your search is over. Come visit Dr. Ip at Vibrant Dermatology in Dedham, MA today. Dr. Ip has the expertise and experience needed to diagnose your unique skin issues and help you achieve the smooth, beautiful skin you deserve to have.

Are you looking for a treatment to tighten your skin and improve your appearance? At Vibrant Dermatology & Skinbar MD in Dedham, MA, we offer Sculptra, an injectable treatment to rejuvenate your skin. You can have youthful and tight skin without invasive surgeries and downtime. The treatment provides long-lasting smooth skin, creates additional volume, and leaves you with a healthy appearance.

What Is Sculptra?

Sculptra is an injectable dermal filler containing poly-L lactic acid that can stimulate collagen production to provide you with tight and smooth skin on almost any part of the body. The treatment can lift the skin without surgery or downtime and provides some of the longest-lasting skin rejuvenation results. Clinical studies show 80% of patients were still satisfied with the treatment results after 25 months.

This powerful dermal filler gradually works to improve the skin’s elasticity and increases the skin’s natural volume. The treatment is safe and has been used to perform skin rejuvenation in the US since it was FDA approved in 2004.

How Does It Work?

Your dermal filler appointment begins with a consultation to determine if this treatment will safely provide you skincare benefits that reach your expectations. We will discuss your medical history and help you understand what kind of outcome you can expect from the treatment. If it is safe to proceed, we will set an appointment for your treatment. The injection is performed quickly, taking only 20 to 30 minutes to complete. There is no need for an anesthetic, as the injection itself includes a numbing agent for your comfort.

Injections

Sculptra is an injectable solution made from poly-L lactic acid, the same ingredient used in dissolving sutures. We apply the solution in a grid-like pattern at various depths, depending on your needs. The injection provides natural-looking benefits that you will not see immediately. The solution can fill in hollow areas, deep folds, and wrinkles gradually.

Going to Work

Over four to six months the tissue and skin will absorb the poly-L lactic acid and stimulate collagen production to fill in the spaces and creases where the solution was injected. The dermal filler takes slightly longer to work than some other fillers, but it also provides longer-lasting results. You can return to work or your normal routine after the treatment without downtime. You will be provided with a small list of care instructions after the treatment that will improve your experience.

Will It Tighten Your Skin?

Sculptra provides a range of benefits for your skin including long-lasting skin tightening. You will get smooth and firm skin from the induction of collagen, a component of the skin that rebuilds and heals the skin while increasing its elasticity. Low elasticity of the skin is what causes the skin to sag, wrinkle, and fold.

The injectable treatment smooths out the lines and adds volume that will fill in wrinkles and hollow areas of the skin that have lost their volume and elasticity. Age and lifestyle factors can cause skin laxity and aging signs as collagen production drops. Your skin will have its youthful elasticity and smoothness after the collagen production is stimulated from the treatment.

What It Can Treat

This dermal filler can be used to:

• Reduce moderate and fine lines
• Reduce wrinkles
• Eliminate nasolabial folds
• Reduce the appearance of cellulite
• Fill in sunken cheeks
• Enhance lip volume
• Remove frown lines from the brow
• Reduce lines around the eyes and mouth
• Eliminate marionette lines
• Relieve general skin laxity

We can also address laxity and sagging skin as the result of weight loss with the dermal filler. The skin on the neck or décolletage can be restored with a more firm and smooth appearance. You can think of the treatment as a non-surgical face or neck-lift alternative. We can add more definition to the chin and enhance sunken in cheeks and temples with the injectable filler. Even the lips can be made plump and enhanced with a lip spa treatment.

Where Is It Most Effective?

While a majority of our patients use Sculptra to address aging signs on their faces, the treatment can provide a range of benefits for almost every part of the body. In addition to aging signs, you can fill in sunken and hollow areas on the face and body or reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Lax skin on the buttocks after weight loss can be tightened and renewed with this treatment, and it provides similar results to a Brazilian butt-lift without any surgery. Loose skin on the abdomen, chest, legs, and upper arms can be reduced after several dermal filler sessions.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate?

You are likely an ideal candidate if you are a healthy man or woman over the age of 18. The treatment is meant for patients looking to address skin aging or laxity issues without surgery and in a natural timeframe. We can perform the treatment on all skin types and almost any part of the body. You can return to work immediately and can avoid missing work by scheduling your treatment during a lunch break if you are busy. The treatment is performed quickly and has no downtime.

We do not recommend the dermal filler for women who are pregnant or nursing. Talk to us about any allergies you have and if you have a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring, as this may interfere in the treatment. The treatment is safe for patients with certain illnesses, like HIV, to address hollow and sunken areas in the skin.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

You can discuss your goal with us to get an accurate estimation of the number of sessions you should expect. Most patients will require approximately three to four sessions each spaced at least four weeks apart to reach their desired appearance. Each session is approximately 20 to 30 minutes, and you will not need any downtime to recover after a session.

When Will I See Results?

After your treatment is completed, results will gradually appear one month after your first treatment session. Your results will become most noticeable between weeks six and 12 and continue to improve for four to six months as collagen is produced and fills in your wrinkles and lines. The skin becomes smooth and elastic in a natural timeframe, so the treatment results will not seem sudden or unnatural.

How Long Will Results Last?

This dermal filler treatment is one of the longest-lasting injectable treatments for anti-aging, providing at least 24 months of smooth and youthful skin. When you notice the treatment results are no longer at their best, you can return to our Dedham office for a quick maintenance session. Our patients with the best and longest-lasting results take good care of their skin by avoiding prolonged sun exposure and keeping their skin hydrated.

How Safe Is This Treatment?

For your safety and the best results, it is important to find an experienced and trained doctor to perform your dermal filler treatment. Dr. Ip has numerous awards and industry recognitions and has contributed as a medical expert to various publications. She leads us in the application of cutting-edge aesthetic treatments at Vibrant Dermatology & Skinbar MD. The treatment is performed in our Dedham office without any overnight care or hospitalization needed.

Sculptra is FDA approved for the face and body and uses poly-L lactic acid that has been safely used in dissolvable sutures. The injection is not painful because of a numbing agent used in the solution and will not result in prolonged discomfort. For most healthy patients, the treatment is a good alternative to invasive surgical procedures designed to lift and rejuvenate the skin. You can return to your normal routine without interruption after the treatment. Some patients encounter mild swelling that can be reduced with ice and acetaminophen pain relievers like Tylenol.

What Should I Do After the Treatment?

After the treatment, we will provide you with simple instructions that should not interfere with your work or daily life. Regular gentle facial massages in 5-minute sessions for the week following the treatment can help the solution distribute evenly. You must also avoid prolonged sun exposure and practice wearing sun protection and sunscreen whenever you leave home to avoid damaging sensitive skin. If you are considering another aesthetic treatment after your injection, speak to Dr. Ip about any interactions between the two treatments.

Sculptra vs Other Skin Tightening Treatments

Botulinum Toxin Injections

BOTOX and Dysport are injectable solutions containing botulinum toxin. These solutions reduce the movement of muscles that cause lines, wrinkles, and creases. They are most effective at preventing aging signs before they appear, and the results may only last a few months. Poly-L lactic acid increases volume in the skin to fill in hollow areas and reduce aging signs. It also increases collagen production, leaving your skin smooth and healthy. The treatment takes several weeks to see results but provides results that last 24 months.

Hyaluronic Acid Injections

Juvederm is an injectable filler containing hyaluronic acid: a compound found in the skin, tissue, and joints. The treatment enhances the skin by providing hydration and volume that soothes the skin and eliminates lines and wrinkles. The treatment is mostly used to increase volume and lasts up to 24 months. Both treatments provide similar results and last a similar amount of time.

IPL or Laser Therapy Treatment

IPL and laser therapy can provide your skin with a more even texture and tone. The treatment also induces collagen to reverse wrinkles and fine lines. Laser therapy may not be safe and effective for every skin type, and the results typically do not last more than a year. Most treatments require regular touch-up or maintenance sessions to maintain the skin’s appearance. While the results of laser and IPL treatments can be impressive, you will not see an increase in volume and you will not have the long-lasting results you get from the dermal filler.

How Much Does It Cost?

Your skin tightening treatment can range in price depending on the number of sessions needed. The injection is not covered by most health insurance providers, because it is a voluntary cosmetic treatment. Dermal fillers can be more affordable than surgery and involve less downtime, so you won’t need to miss work. For an accurate price estimate, contact Vibrant Dermatology & Skinbar MD for your customized treatment plan.

Experience Long-Lasting Skin Tightening

Sculptra is the only injectable treatment that can provide a natural-looking volume increase and age reduction that lasts for 24 months. You can improve your skin health on any part of your body and have results comparable to a face-lift with no surgery and no downtime. If you think this treatment might be right for you, visit Vibrant Dermatology & Skinbar MD in Dedham, MA for an initial consultation today.

Although melanoma is not the most common type of skin cancer, it is the most serious. Melanoma occurs when melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, mutate and grow uncontrollably. If not detected and treated early, melanoma can spread to other parts of the body. Melanomas often occur on the chest, back, and legs. However, they can appear on other body parts often exposed to the sun, including the face and eyes. At Vibrant Dermatology & Skinbar MD in Dedham, Massachusetts, we offer effective melanoma treatment.

Should You Consider Melanoma Treatment?

When detected early, melanoma is easily treated. Therefore, it is important to be always on the lookout for any changes in your skin. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent cancer from spreading to the other parts of the body.

According to recent health reports, melanoma is becoming increasingly common among people under the age of 40, and especially women. Knowing the symptoms of melanoma and other skin cancers can help with early detection and treatment.

Symptoms of Melanoma

Although melanomas can appear anywhere in the body, they are more likely to develop on areas that are often exposed to the sun, such as the back, arms, legs, and face. In rare cases, melanomas can develop in other parts that do not see much sunlight, such as your fingernail beds, the palm of your hands and soles of your feet. People of color are more vulnerable to these hidden melanomas.

You should be concerned if you develop a new mole, notice some changes in an existing mole, or if you develop a new pigmented or unusual-looking growth on your skin. Melanoma can also occur on a normal-appearing skin. You should also see a doctor if you develop:

• A skin sore that is not healing
• A sore or spot that is tender, itchy, or painful
• A sore or spot that is bleeding
• A spot or lump that is smooth, waxy, shiny, or pale
• A firm, red lump that looks crusty or ulcerated
• A flat red spot that is scaly, dry, or rough

Initial Diagnosis

To differentiate between harmless moles and cancerous moles, we use the ABCDE examination.

Asymmetric (A)

Harmless moles are usually round and symmetrical, whereas cancerous moles are likely to have two very different-looking halves.

Border (B)

Cancerous moles are likely to have notched, irregular or scalloped borders.

Color (C)

Cancerous moles have many colors and uneven shades. They could be brown, black, or tan. Some have a blue or white pigmentation.

Diameter (D)

Cancerous moles tend to have a diameter that is larger than 1/4 inch.

Evolving (E)

If an existing mole starts to change its size, color, or shape, it could be a sign of melanoma.

Types of Melanoma

Superficial Spreading Melanoma

Superficial spreading melanoma is the most common type of melanoma. People with freckles and pale skin are more likely to develop superficial spreading melanoma compared to people with darker skin. Superficial spreading melanomas usually grow outwards rather than downwards, making them easily treatable.

However, if they grow downwards into deeper layers of the skin, they can spread to other cells in the body. You see a doctor if you notice a mole is getting bigger, especially if it has an irregular border.

Nodular Melanoma

Nodular melanoma is a faster-developing and the second most common type of melanoma. If left untreated, it can quickly grow downwards into the deeper layers of skin. Nodular melanomas usually appear on the chest, back, head, or neck. They often appear in a reddish or blue-black color on previously healthy skin. It is common for nodular melanomas to bleed or ooze.

Lentigo Maligna Melanoma

Lentigo maligna melanomas are less common and less dangerous. They develop slowly over several years in parts of the body that see much sun, such as the face. Lentigo maligna melanomas are flat and grow slowly sideways in the outermost layer of the skin. They look like a Hutchinson’s freckle, or lentigo maligna, but are usually darker and larger than a normal freckle.

When left untreated, they grow downwards into deeper layers of the skin, forming lumps. Older people, especially those who have been exposed to sunlight for long periods, are at an increased risk of developing this type of melanoma.

Acral Lentiginous Melanoma

Acral lentiginous melanoma is a rare, hidden melanoma. It usually develops on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands. Sometimes they grow around a nail, especially the big toenail or thumbnail. People with darker skin are more susceptible to this type of melanoma compared to other types.

Causes of Melanoma

Melanoma occurs when melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, start to grow abnormally. Typically, healthy new cells push old cells to the surface of the skin. Once the old cells reach the surface of the skin, they die and eventually fall off. Sometimes new cells develop DNA damage, causing them to grow uncontrollably and eventually forming a mass of cancerous cells.

The cause behind this DNA damage and how this leads to melanoma is not clear yet. However, health experts believe melanoma is caused by a combination of factors, including genetic and environmental factors. They also believe that long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and from tanning beds and lamps is the primary cause of melanoma. However, we cannot blame UV light for melanomas that occur in places that do not see much sunlight, indicating other factors can increase your risk of developing melanoma.

Risk Factors

Fair Skin

People with fair skin have less melanin in their skin, making them more vulnerable to damaging UV radiation. Additionally, people with red or blond hair, freckles, light-colored eyes, and those who sunburn easily are at an increased risk of developing melanoma compared to people with darker skin. However, people of color can also develop melanoma.

Sunburn

Exposing yourself to one or more severe, blistering sunburns can make you more vulnerable to melanoma.

Ultraviolet (UV) Light

Regular exposure to UV radiation from the sun and tanning lamps and beds can increase your risk of developing melanoma and other types of skin cancer.

The Equator and Higher Altitude

People who live close to the equator, where the sun’s rays are more direct, are more exposed to higher amounts of UV radiation than those who live farther north or south. Living in a high altitude area also exposes you to more UV radiation.

Moles

According to medical reports, people with more than 50 normal moles on their bodies are more susceptible to melanoma. Additionally, people with an unusual type of moles are also at an increased risk of developing melanoma. Also known as dysplastic nevi in medical spheres, these abnormal moles are often larger than typical moles, have a mixture of colors and irregular borders.

Family History

If someone in your family, such as a parent, sibling, or child has had melanoma, you are also at an increased risk of developing melanoma.

Weakened Immune System

People with a weakened immune system are more vulnerable to melanoma and other skin cancers. Several things can impair your immune system, including medication, to suppress the immune system after an organ transplant, or diseases that attack and weaken the immune system, such as AIDS.

Diagnosis

Physical Exam

The doctor will examine your skin to check for any signs of melanoma. They will also review your medical history and ask you questions about your overall wellbeing.

Biopsy

A dermatologist will examine a suspicious mole and might recommend removing it for testing. The sample is sent to a lab to check for the presence of cancerous cells. The doctor will likely recommend removing the entire growth when possible. Before a biopsy, the doctor will use local anesthesia to numb the area. There are several types of biopsy procedures, and the doctor will help you choose the most suitable option for you, depending on your situation.

Punch Biopsy

A punch biopsy is performed using a circular blade, pressed into the skin around the mole.

Excisional Biopsy

During an excisional biopsy, a health professional cuts away the entire mole and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue using a scalpel.

Further Tests

If the results from the initial diagnosis confirm the presence of melanoma, the doctor will carry out further tests to determine the stage of the cancer. To do this, the doctor will:

Determine the Thickness

To determine the thickness of the melanoma, the doctor will examine it under a microscope and measure it using a special tool. The thickness of the melanoma influences treatment plans. Typically, the thicker the tumor, the more serious the condition.

When the melanoma is thinner, surgery to remove the cancerous mole and some healthy tissue around it is often an effective treatment strategy. When the melanoma is thicker, the doctor might order additional tests to determine whether cancer has spread to other parts.

Check if the Melanoma Has Spread

To check whether the melanoma has spread to the lymph nodes, the doctor might recommend a sentinel node biopsy. During a sentinel node biopsy, a dye mixed with a weak radioactive chemical is injected in the area where the cancerous mole was removed. The dye follows the same route a melanoma would follow.

The first lymph node the solution reaches is known as the sentinel lymph node. The doctor locates and removes the sentinel lymph node for examination. If it is cancer-free, it is highly likely the melanoma has not spread beyond the original site of discovery.

Signs of Cancer Beyond the Skin

The doctor might recommend imaging tests for people with more-advanced melanomas to check whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Imaging tests may include MRI scans, CT scans, X-rays, and positron emission tomography (PET) scans.

Melanoma Treatment

Surgery

Since it is easy to access and remove cancerous cells that develop on the skin, surgery is the standard treatment for melanoma. During surgery, the doctor removes the lesion and some healthy tissue around it. Once the surgeon removes the lesion, they send it to a lab to ensure they have removed all of it. A skin graft may be necessary if the melanoma covers a larger area on the skin.

Lymph Node Biopsy

A lymph node biopsy helps to remove cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes.

Radiation Therapy

During radiotherapy, high-powered energy beams, such as X-rays and protons, are used to kill cancerous cells. Radiotherapy is often used to treat advanced melanoma.

Chemotherapy

During chemotherapy, medications are used to target cancerous cells.

Immunotherapy

In this melanoma treatment option, the doctor administers drugs that boost the immune system’s ability to fight the cancer.

Targeted Therapy

This treatment option focuses on identifying and targeting specific weaknesses present within cancer cells.

We Can Help

The key to successful cancer treatment and recovery is early detection and treatment. Always look out for any changes in your skin, especially if you have existing moles. Visit a dermatologist if you notice any of the symptoms we have mentioned above. For melanoma treatment and diagnosis, contact Vibrant Dermatology & Skinbar MD in Dedham, Massachusetts today!

Non Surgical Nose Job Boston MA

Do you see fine lines, wrinkles, and creases on your face when you look in the mirror? Would you like to roll back the clock and achieve a fresher, more rested appearance? An injectable treatment called Xeomin could be just what you’re looking for. This easy, noninvasive treatment smooths away those signs of aging for three to four months, instantly rejuvenating your look. It’s one of the many cosmetic dermatology services offered at Vibrant Dermatology & Skinbar MD in Dedham, MA.

What Is Xeomin?

This injectable fights the signs of aging by preventing the facial muscles from contracting in ways that contribute to those unwanted lines and folds. It functions much like Botox and Dysport. All three treatments are neuromodulators that contain botulinum toxin type A, which blocks the nerve signals, preventing muscles from contracting. Because the treated muscles can’t fully contract, frown lines, crow’s feet, and other fine facial lines are less noticeable, giving patients a more youthful appearance.

What Distinguishes It From Botox?

Although Botox is better known, these two injectables are quite similar and offer patients results that are nearly identical. The primary difference between the two lies in their chemical formulation. Xeomin has just one ingredient: botulinum toxin A. This treatment is considered a “naked” neurotoxin because of its purity. Botox, on the other hand, contains botulinum toxin and several other proteins and additives. What does this difference mean for patients? Xeomin can be less likely to lead to an allergic reaction and patients can be less likely to build up resistance over time to the injectable.

Will This Treatment Give Me a Plastic Look?

Our doctor will ensure that your injections are placed correctly according to your facial anatomy and your cosmetic goals, giving you natural results that aren’t overdone. If you’re especially concerned about a plastic look, we can talk with you during your consultation about our approach to your treatment and how we’ll avoid that. Botulinum injections have been available for a number of years now, and there is now a greater understanding of how to perform them in a way that doesn’t create a face that appears frozen in place.

What Does This Injectable Treat?

This treatment is best known for its ability to smooth over lines, wrinkles, and creases. It works especially well on the frown lines between the eyebrows, but it also successfully treats furrowed brows, crow’s feet, bunny lines on the nose, and other facial creases and lines that have developed after years of repeating certain facial movements and expressions. This treatment is most successful on dynamic wrinkles, try instant wrinkle remover cream or the lines caused by repeated facial movements. Static wrinkles, which are often the result of sun exposure and aging, usually respond better to other types of treatment.

Other Cosmetic Concerns

In addition to being an anti-aging treatment, this injectable can also help resolve other cosmetic concerns. It can address dimples on the chin, for example, and has been used to perk up the corners of a drooping smile. It has been used in some patients to define and sculpt a soft jawline. This treatment has even been used to address a gummy smile, or a smile that reveals too much of the gums.

Medical Conditions

Botulinum injections, which are essentially powerful muscle relaxers, were originally developed for non-cosmetic uses. They are still used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including migraines, crossed eyes, abnormal muscle spasms in the face and neck, eyelid spasms, and uncontrolled blinking. This treatment can also be used to stop excessive underarm sweating and uncontrolled drooling.

Can It Be Used to Achieve a Lip Flip?

Botox is frequently used to achieve a lip flip, which is an enhancement that makes the lip appear fuller and pouty. But Xeomin can be used to create this effect as well. During this treatment, a carefully placed botulinum injection relaxes the upper lip to the point that it rolls gently upward, making the upper lip slightly more pronounced. Because botulinum injections wear off after a period of months, using one to achieve a flip lip can be a way of seeing if you like the look of this before having a filler placed.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Our patients have been highly satisfied with their results from this treatment, and it has become one of our most requested cosmetic services. This injectable is ideal for a wide range of patients, but there are signs you may be a particularly good candidate:

You Want to Rejuvenate Your Appearance

Aging gracefully doesn’t mean you have to put up with crow’s feet, frown lines, and other frustrating creases. A botulinum injection is quick, easy, and resolves fine lines and wrinkles for months at a time. Most patients who have had this treatment say they feel more confident and more youthful. Some use the injectable as a one-time rejuvenation treatment before a big event like a wedding. Others incorporate treatments into their skin care routine long term, scheduling treatments every few months as a way of maintaining their new look.

You Want a Convenient Treatment

Many patients are drawn to the convenience of botulinum injections. Not everyone can afford the time and expensive associated with cosmetic surgery. A botulinum injection can be performed in one easy, noninvasive treatment that will last less than an hour. There is no down time, so you’ll be able to continue on with your day after your appointment. Many patients even schedule their injections for their lunch hour or during other breaks in their day.

Your Skin Is Healthy

This treatment is effective and safe for all skin types and tones. If you are experiencing swelling or an infection in the injection area, it’s a good idea to postpone treatment until that has healed.

You Are in Good Overall Health

Patients should be in good overall health and over the age of 18. People with certain neuromuscular diseases, such as myasthenia gravis or ALS, are not good candidates because the botulinum toxin type A in these injectables can cause issues with breathing and swallowing in these populations. Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not receive these treatments without a doctor’s approval out of an abundance of caution.

You’ve Developed a Resistance to Botox

If you’ve received regular Botox treatments for years but have noticed a decline in their effectiveness, switching to a different neuromodulator may help you get the results you’ve come to expect. We can work with you to determine whether a change in your treatment is the best step. Occasionally, patients build up a resistance to Botox. One benefit associated with Xeomin is that it contains just a single ingredient: botulinum toxin A. The pure nature of this injectable means patients are less likely to develop a resistance to it. Botox, by comparison, includes botulinum as well as additives and proteins.

You Want to Be Proactive About Fighting Aging Skin

Patients with aging skin in need of treatment have long turned to botulinum injections, but increasingly, younger patients are also seeking the injections. These patients are noticing the first lines on their face. In many patients, crow’s feet are the first to appear. By starting early and making botulinum injections a regular part of their skin care maintenance, these patients are working to keep the fine lines at bay.

You’re Realistic About Treatment Outcomes

A botulinum injection won’t completely make over your appearance and make you look 21 again, but it will revitalize and refresh your look, making it possible to put your best face forward. The ideal patient is realistic about the outcome and also emotionally stable enough to handle the change and improvements that treatment will bring.

What Is the Treatment Like?

The first step is to schedule a consultation where we’ll review your medical history and the medications you’re taking. We’ll also talk with you about your cosmetic goals and determine whether this treatment is a good option for you. The consultation is a good time to get all of your questions and concerns answered. After your consultation, you’ll be ready to schedule your treatment.

During Your Appointment

On the day of your treatment, we’ll begin by cleansing the injection site, and we may even mark the area being treated. We’ll use a very fine needle for the injection, which will target the muscles contributing to your facial lines. Depending on the area being addressed, two or three quick injections may be needed. Many patients are surprised at just how comfortable and quick the treatment is. The needles are small enough that the treatment is virtually painless. Those who feel anything describe it as a series of quick pinpricks. For most patients, the entire appointment lasts 10 to 25 minutes.

Who Will Perform My Treatment?

All of our treatments are overseen by Dr. Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip. A native of Boston, Dr. Imahiyerobo-Ip has a bachelor’s degree in health policy from Harvard University and a master’s degree in international development from Cambridge University. She earned her medical degree from Cornell University’s Weill Medical College and completed specialized training in dermatology at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. Dr. Imahiyerobo-Ip’s areas of expertise include injectable fillers, laser treatments, chemical peels, acne, hair loss, scalp disorders, skin cancer detection, and pediatric dermatology.

After Treatment

Immediately after treatment, you’ll be able to resume your schedule with only a few limitations. We suggest that patients avoid lying down for four hours, rubbing their face for 12 hours, and hot showers for 24 hours. Some patients find that icing the injection site and sleeping on their back can help speed the recovery process. We ask that patients avoid blood-thinning medications for two weeks before their treatment and 24 hours after treatment.

When Will the Results Appear?

Most patients start to see their first results in three to five days. The final results should be apparent within 10 days. The smooth, line-free skin patients enjoy after treatment usually lasts for three to four months. A repeat injection around the four-month mark can extend treatment results.

Is This a Safe and Effective Treatment?

This FDA-approved treatment is safe and effective, and it has helped many of our patients roll back the clock on their appearance. This injectable can also be combined with other treatments, including dermal fillers, light peels, or facials. By combining treatments, we can often achieve enhanced results and better meet a patient’s cosmetic goals. During your consultation, we’ll work to develop a comprehensive understanding of your cosmetic goals and develop a treatment plan that best meets your individual needs.

Why Choose Our Practice?

There’s a lot to like about this injectable treatment. It’s fast, comfortable, and noninvasive, and it requires little of the patient in the way of preparation or downtime. Best of all, it effectively boosts and rejuvenates your appearance by easing those frustrating fine lines, wrinkles, and creases. Call Vibrant Dermatology & Skinbar MD in Dedham, MA today and ask about Xeomin.

Non Surgical Nose Job Near Me

Varicose veins and spider veins alike can be unsightly and distressing. Removing them is usually a choice, and one concern you may have is how many treatments it will take to see the best final results. At Vibrant Dermatology & Skinbar MD in Dedham, MA, we offer sclerotherapy leg vein treatments for unsightly spider veins and varicose veins and can help you understand how many treatments you’ll need for your unique needs.

How Many Leg Vein Treatments Will I Need?

Whether your issue is varicose veins or spider veins, sclerotherapy is a simple, safe, proven treatment for reducing or eliminating them. The total number of sessions you’ll need will depend on the extent of the vein issue and your goals.

For some people, the goal is simply to reduce the number of veins or get rid of just the veins in a particular area. For others, the goal is completely removing all offending veins. You can usually expect around one to three treatments to take care of the issue, but at your consultation with us we’ll be able to give you more specific information.

About Sclerotherapy

How Sclerotherapy Works

Of all leg vein treatments available, this one is perhaps the oldest and has a good track record of results. During treatment, we simply inject a solution into your veins with a very small needle. The solution won’t harm you, but it irritates the vein until it swells and shuts off. Then your body does the rest.

Over the course of the next four to six weeks, your body will metabolize the vein and then get rid of it naturally. Meanwhile, the blood will simply be diverted into nearby healthier veins. This is a good treatment for varicose veins and for spider veins that appear on the legs, where laser treatments may not be as effective.

The Benefits of Sclerotherapy

Veins Are Gone for Good

When your vein has been treated with this therapy, it simply disappears. You never have to worry about it cropping up again. The body absorbs it, and while you can grow new veins, the old one will never trouble you again.

No Surgery Involved

This is a great way to get rid of unsightly veins without having to resort to surgery. Everything is done right here at Vibrant Dermatology & Skinbar MD, and there’s no need to worry about incisions, scars, or long recovery times.

Minimal Support Stockings

With this treatment, you’ll only need to wear support stockings for around a week, and only continuously for a few days. We’ll give you more details when you come for treatment, but overall the support stocking use is minimal with this treatment.

A Proven Procedure

This treatment has been widely used to deal with vein issues since the 1930s. We know it works, and we know it’s safe.

Best Candidates for Sclerotherapy

Nearly any healthy person, man or woman, is a good candidate for this treatment. It doesn’t require surgery, so there’s no need to worry about allergies or reactions to anesthesia, and since it’s done in the office and no extensive downtime is necessary, it’s easy for most people to fit a treatment into their busy schedules.

The only people who should always avoid sclerotherapy are those who are pregnant. If you’ve had a blood clot in the past, let us know so we can evaluate this treatment for you on an individual basis.

What to Do After Sclerotherapy

In addition to wearing support stockings for around a week, you’ll want to avoid a few things for two days or so. You don’t want excessive heat in the treated area, so no baths, hot compresses, or soaks in the whirlpool. It’s also a good idea to keep the treated area out of direct sunlight. Simply wash the area gently with mild soap and warm, but not hot, water.

How Leg Veins Develop

The Circulatory System

Our circulatory system carries blood to and from the heart and all the tissues of our body. The arteries carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body, where the tissues will use various components of the blood, especially oxygen. Our veins carry the used blood back to the heart to be refreshed.

Because of where our heart is placed within our bodies and the effects of gravity, the veins in our legs have a tough job. While the arteries are working with gravity as they take blood away from the heart, the leg veins are going against gravity. To do their job, they rely on tiny one-way valves within themselves. These valves keep blood from dropping back the wrong way due to gravity.

Valve Malfunction

Over time, some of these one-way valves will malfunction. No one knows for certain why they do, but if you have family members with spider veins and varicose veins, there’s a good chance you will develop them, too. They also can develop when the vein is under too much pressure, which can happen when you spend too long sitting or standing in the same position repeatedly or put on a lot of weight.

These valve issues also seem to have a hormonal component, since women are more likely to develop them than men and particularly in relation to times of hormonal fluctuation, such as during pregnancy or menopause. However, valve malfunction can happen to anyone at any time, and when it does, blood flows backward in the vein and pools, causing the spider and varicose veins we love to hate.

Dangers of Diseased Veins

Spider Veins

For the most part, spider veins aren’t a serious condition. They are merely a cosmetic nuisance for most people. In the case of these veins, the valve malfunction isn’t really a big deal. In a few cases, however, spider veins can indicate that there’s a deeper blockage someone else in the body, so if you see the number of spider veins in your legs growing, be sure to discuss it with your doctor.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are much more likely to cause an issue than spider veins. No one likes the way these veins make their legs look, but beyond that, they can become more than just a cosmetic problem. If your varicose veins are causing you pain, aching, or heaviness in your legs, be on the lookout for these complications:

Swelling

As the pressure builds up in your vein, it can leak into the surrounding tissues and create swelling of the entire leg. This can be unsightly, cause socks and pants to stop fitting, and can even lead to hardening of the skin in extreme cases. More than anything, it can be very uncomfortable. Treating your veins can remove the possibility of this side effect or stop the discomfort if you’re not getting relief from compression socks and elevation.

Bleeding

If the vein has a lot of pooled blood in it, it can burst, especially if you hit the area suddenly on something hard. If the bleeding stays inside, you’ll see significant bruising. If the skin is broken, it can bleed much more than you’d normally expect from a cut of the size, and it may be necessary to get medical treatment for it. Derma rolling lips Again, having the vein treated in a timely fashion will eliminate this risk.

Ulcers

The swelling caused by the varicose veins can make the skin change. As the skin changes, it becomes less resilient and able to heal because it isn’t getting the steady flow of oxygen and nutrients it needs for good health. Over time, a break in the skin can become a difficult-to-heal ulcer. Infections can also arise as bacteria that our skin normally protects us from gets into an area where the body’s healing abilities are already compromised. By treating the vein, you can lower the swelling and prevent infection or allow an existing one to heal.

Thrombophlebitis

This is the scientific term for a blood clot, and blood clots are more likely in a varicose vein than in a healthy one. About 3% of people who suffer from varicose veins will develop a blood clot in one of these diseased veins.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Thankfully, this is a very rare condition, but about 25% of people who develop a blood clot in their varicose veins will also develop deeper clots. When clots form in the deeper veins, it’s a very serious, life-threatening condition that can lead to pulmonary embolism. If you have experienced a clot in your varicose veins, having them treated can make it less likely you’ll experience deep vein thrombosis.

Is It Time for Leg Vein Treatments?

While there can be some serious complications from diseased veins, for the most part treating your veins is an optional thing. How do you know if it’s time to seek treatment?

You Are Embarrassed by Your Appearance

Your leg veins should not control your wardrobe choices and dictate your activities. If you find yourself rejecting shorts on hot days only because you’re embarrassed about your legs, it’s time to seek treatment. If you avoid the pool or the beach, having leg vein treatments can give you back the smooth, flawless skin you want.

You Are Experiencing Pain

If your veins are causing you pain, throbbing, or aching, there’s no need to live with this. With a simple sclerotherapy treatment, you can be rid of that pain and discomfort.

Your Veins Are New

The sooner you have leg veins treated, the faster, easier, and simpler it is to deal with them. If you’re just starting to notice an issue with veins, or if you’re noticing more than you previously had, you should consider vein treatment as a proactive step.

You Have Bleeding

If your veins have started to bleed, either within the skin or outside it, it’s a good time to have them treated. Constant bleeding is a health issue you should have taken care of as soon as possible.

You Aren’t Getting Relief From Home Remedies

If you’ve tried compression garments, moving around, elevating your leg, or other home treatments to relieve your pain or reduce the swelling in your legs–but those treatments aren’t working–it’s a good time to consider getting a leg vein treatment.

While home remedies are inexpensive, they can be time-consuming even when they do work, and no one should go through life wasting time daily worrying about whether they’ve elevated their legs for long enough or have the right sort of compression garment. By treating the veins, you can put the issue behind you and save your energy for more important things.

Get Your Veins Treated Quickly

If you have spider veins or varicose veins that are causing you pain or disrupting your aesthetic, it only takes a few treatments to get rid of them. Visit Vibrant Dermatology & Skinbar MD in Dedham, MA today to learn more about the treatments we offer and talk to a specialist about the fastest way to get rid of your problem veins for good.

Non Surgical Nose Job Near Me

When you look in the mirror, can you see lines starting to appear on your face? Has your skin has started to show a few of the telltale signs of aging, such as crow’s feet? Are you sick and tired of noticing all the wrinkles, folds, or worry lines? Fortunately, you don’t have to let this become the “new normal.” You can eliminate wrinkles with a long-lasting and effective dermal filler called Juvederm, now available from the friendly medical staff at Vibrant Dermatology & Skinbar MD, in Dedham, MA.

What Is Juvederm?

This is a specific type of dermal filler that is injected into the skin in order to restore volume, vitality, and youthfulness to your skin. Unlike some other dermal fillers, it uses a component called hyaluronic acid, which is a substance that your skin already contains.

What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a chemical that everyone has in their bodies. When this hyaluronic acid is present in your skin, it acts as a hydrating agent. It binds to water, adding volume and keeping your skin from drying out. Unfortunately, as we age our natural levels of hyaluronic acid decline, causing our skin to lose volume. When this happens, the surface starts to show wrinkles, lines, and folds.

We all age differently, but in some cases, the lines on our faces can become especially noticeable with time as the amount of hyaluronic acid in our skin decreases. In these cases, a dermal filler that is based on hyaluronic acid is the perfect remedy.

How Does It Work?

Your medical provider will inject tiny doses of the filler into the desired treatment area. There are several specific types of Juvederm, each tailored to a different location on your face. When you go to a clinic for a treatment session, you will walk away with small amounts of the filler dotted evenly across this treatment zone, whether it is your cheeks, lips, mouth, or some other area.

When the hyaluronic acid is introduced into your skin, it will start to bind with the water and retain moisture. Generally, you will see some results right away, but it will take one or two weeks for the filler to settle into place. After this adjustment period is over, you will see your ideal results, and these will typically last anywhere from one to two years.

What Type Do I Need?

The type of filler you need will depend on what you want to be treated. Although hyaluronic acid is used in all of these cases, the lips, cheeks, and facial lines all will require a slightly different composition. Our medical staff will talk with you in-depth about which exact type is ideal for your treatment area, also you can go with fast wrinkle remover for wrinkle removal.

Volbella XC

If you’re sick of seeing your lips slowly losing their natural fullness, Volbella XC is the filler for you. Volbella XC has been specially crafted to restore the plumpness of your lips and erase those pesky lip lines. It can work both on the lips themselves and on the areas nearby. The filler lasts for a year and will keep your lips hydrated, voluminous, and plump.

Vollure XC

Are you starting to see facial wrinkles and folds in places where they weren’t present before? Vollure XC is a standard response to those hard-to-erase lines and wrinkles. Unlike many competing fillers or injections, Vollure XC is long-lasting, smoothing the skin and giving you glowing results for up to 18 months.

Voluma XC

Are you tired of seeing your cheeks sagging or losing their volume and becoming flat? Voluma XC is designed specifically for the cheeks to restore your youthful look. Patients report that Voluma XC can make their cheeks look up to five years younger. Because your cheeks have thicker skin than other parts of the face, Voluma XC is injected deep under the surface, giving you maximum volume. This deep injection can provide quality lift and contouring in your cheeks for two years.

Ultra XC

Like Volbella XC, Ultra XC was designed for the mouth and lip area. Ultra XC is slightly thicker, however, and is a gel designed for lip augmentation so you get even more volume for thinning lips. It also works on the lower part of the face, including nasolabial folds and lines around the mouth, and lasts for up to a year.

Ultra Plus XC

Do you have significant folds on your face that may be too much for just a normal cosmetic injection? In that case, you want Ultra Plus XC. Ultra Plus XC is a stronger, denser version of the filler and is best used in cases where another type isn’t quite enough. Ultra Plus XC can be used for “smile lines” (nasolabial folds), deep wrinkles, creases, folds, and areas that need significant added volume.

Which type is right for you? Your dermatologist will help you decide exactly what you need, but with this many options, chances are that there’s at least one that’s perfect for your concerns.

What Should I Avoid Before Treatment?

Once you have met with your provider and chosen a treatment option, you will want to do a little preparation for your session. Juvederm is an incredibly quick and easy treatment, especially compared with other more extreme options on the market. However, there are a few things you should avoid to make your session more comfortable and effective.

Aspirin

The week before treatment is an important time, and you want to make sure your body is in the best shape for the injection. As a result, we advise that you do not use any aspirin-based painkiller (such as Bayer). In addition, it’s helpful to avoid Motrin or any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (or “NSAIDS” for short).

The reason for this is that these painkillers can affect the bloodstream in a way that can potentially lead to bruising from the treatment. In order to avoid this, it’s better to choose a different painkiller for at least five days before your treatment session.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is widely taken for its beneficial impact on the immune system as well as potential for lowering the risk of cancer and heart disease. However, it can have a similar effect on treatment as aspirin and NSAIDS, so it is not advised for 7-10 days prior to treatment.

Fish Oil

Many people take fish oil supplements in order to improve their overall heart health and encourage weight loss. It is also believed to lead to healthier skin, but these effects may be temporarily problematic for dermal filler treatments. If you currently take fish oil supplements, discontinue their use for 7-10 days before treatment and resume after it is safe to do so.

Gingko Biloba

For many people, Gingko Biloba is a miracle drug, improving circulation, reducing anxiety and depression, and encouraging heightened brain function. However, this improved circulation can lead to changes in the bloodstream that are not beneficial during treatment, so Gingko Biloba should not be used for 7-10 days prior to your session.

St. John’s Wort

In many cases, people turn to St. John’s wort to help relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is believed to have a generally positive effect on one’s mood and also help people who have experienced appetite loss or fatigue. However, it can interfere with treatment, so it should be avoided for 7-10 days before a session.

Ginseng

Like Gingko Biloba, Ginseng has a reputation for improving brain function, heightening energy levels, and increasing circulation. The changes to the circulation mean that it should be avoided for 7-10 days prior to treatment.

Garlic

Garlic is in many foods and sometimes difficult to avoid completely. It also contains compounds that may reduce blood pressure. However, these effects can disrupt treatment, so wherever possible, it should be avoided for 7-10 days before your session.

Primrose Oil

Primrose oil is often taken by patients who suffer from certain skin conditions, as it is frequently credited with alleviating acne, eczema, and generally improving skin health. However, in this case, its use should be discontinued for 7-10 days prior to your treatment session.

Certain Topical Products

There are several topical products on the market that can cause complications or discomfort. Avoid glycolic acid, tretinoin, and retinol for two days before your session.

Anti-Aging Products

There are many anti-aging products on the market, but these can sometimes cause a change in the skin’s natural consistency which can lead to bruising or unpredictable results. Avoid such products for two days before your session.

Other Skin Treatments

Anything that affects the skin may cause some interference with treatment, as it may irritate the skin. For this reason, hair removal cream, as well as bleaching, waxing, or plucking, should be avoided for two days leading up to treatment. Shaving is generally fine.

Alcohol

Fortunately, alcohol does not stay in our systems for very long, so it is only necessary to avoid it on the day prior to treatment. However, it is very important that there be no alcohol in your system when the injections are performed, so it should not be used at all during the 24 hours ahead of the session.

During your initial consultation, your medical staff will cover all the requirements in detail.

Other FAQs

Is This Treatment FDA-Approved?

The FDA approved it in 2006, finding that it was safe and had no serious side effects.

What Happens During Treatment?

During a treatment session, you will arrive at our facility and small amounts of the dermal filler will be injected into your treatment area. The session is very quick, typically requiring 30-90 minutes, depending on the amount of filler being used and the areas being treated.

How Long Is Recovery?

Juvederm does not require downtime, so many patients can resume their normal activities the very same day. You will not have to take days off work or “call in sick” while you wait to feel better.

How Long Before I See Results?

Typically, results are visible the same day, but it takes the filler a bit of time to become absorbed by the body. After two weeks, the ideal results will be achieved.

How Long Do Results Last?

Depending on the type of filler used, you can see results that will last up to two years. After this, many patients schedule maintenance treatments to keep their results at a peak level, and in many cases, they find that less of the filler is needed for these “follow-up” sessions.

What Should I Avoid After Treatment?

After treatment, a patient should not drink alcohol for 24 hours. In addition, sources of high heat should be avoided. Massages must be avoided for a full two weeks until your treatment settles in place, as massage can disrupt the distribution of your treatment.

Schedule Your Consultation

Are you ready to say good-bye to your lines and wrinkles and reclaim your smooth and youthful glow? Learn more about the amazing effects of Juvederm. Call us today at Vibrant Dermatology & Skinbar MD, in Dedham, MA and schedule your in-person consultation!

Non Surgical Nose Job Near Me