Most of us think about our appearance at least a few times a day. Ideally, we should be happy every time we look in the mirror, but superficial concerns can make us feel less confident in our overall appearance. Fortunately, the experts at Vibrant Dermatology & Skinbar MD in Dedham, MA know that cosmetic dermatology treatments can be the answer to your skin concerns. So, what is Boston cosmetic dermatology?
Cosmetic dermatology generally refers to correcting superficial skin concerns. Unlike medical dermatology, which may use prescriptions in conjunction with other treatments to correct skin concerns, cosmetic treatments are generally focused on aesthetics. While cosmetic treatments can certainly improve the health of your skin, their main goal is to improve skin appearance.
There are several treatments that are commonly used to improve the health and beauty of your skin. Some of the most popular Boston cosmetic dermatology treatments include:
Neurotoxin injectables, or wrinkle relaxers, are commonly used to treat dynamic wrinkles on the face. Dynamic wrinkles are caused by facial expressions that etch lines into the skin as the skin loses volume due to lack of collagen associated with aging. Dynamic wrinkles tend to form on the upper face or areas where skin volume is already thin, such as the bridge of the nose.
Neurotoxin injectables like Botox and Xeomin are commonly used to relax the appearance of moderate wrinkles, including glabellar lines, frown lines, horizontal forehead wrinkles, bunny lines, and downturned lip corners. Treating visible signs of aging with Botox and Xeomin can be done every three to four months to refresh your overall appearance.
Dermal fillers are currently one of the most popular anti-aging treatments in the nation and across the globe. Dermal fillers are gel-like injectable formulas that restore the volume of your skin to fill in hollow areas and reduce the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles. Many dermal fillers are made with hyaluronic acid, which works to attract water to the skin to maintain better skin volume.
Dermal fillers can be used virtually anywhere on the mid and lower face. It’s common to use dermal fillers like Juvederm and Restylane to treat nasolabial wrinkles, chin wrinkles, and hollow areas in the cheeks. Dermal fillers are also frequently used to contour areas of the face, such as the lips or the jawline, to restore the appearance of skin that has lost significant volume due to aging.
Laser treatments are quickly becoming more popular options for people who want to make significant, long-lasting improvements to their appearance. Many laser treatments are used by people who have moderate to severe concerns, such as deep wrinkles, sun damage, and scarring. Laser treatments can be used on the face and on all areas of the body.
Laser treatments are incredibly versatile. Some treatments can be used to break down visible capillaries in the skin, while others are designed to reduce hyperpigmentation and melasma. Some specific laser systems are ideal for treating acne, acne scarring, and even stretch marks. We will help you find the laser treatment right for your aesthetic goals.
RF microneedling is a multi-purpose treatment that can address several areas of concern at one time. The combination of radiofrequency energy and micro-injuries created by microneedling encourage the skin to heal itself from the inside out. With this powerful combination, your skin can produce great amounts of new, healthy collagen.
RF microneedling can be used to address a variety of mild to moderate aesthetic concerns. Blemishes, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, age spots, acne scars, and much more can improve with these treatments. Even the overall tone and texture of your skin can improve after RF microneedling.
Facial treatments are incredibly beneficial. For one, facials can be used to regulate the health and function of your skin to restore your beauty without any invasive techniques. Some facials are powerful enough to correct uneven skin tone and texture within one treatment, such as the Aqua Facial. Facials generally deeply cleanse the pores, exfoliate the skin, and hydrate the skin. Facials also pair well with many other cosmetic treatments.
No matter which cosmetic dermatology treatment you use, you can always enhance the results of your treatment by using the right skincare products. Some treatments, such as facial and RF microneedling, increase product penetration, which means your products will work even better after you use these treatments.
You can support your results with skincare products and you may even be able to help your results last longer. Certain anti-aging skincare products will keep your skin moist, plush, and radiant between your Boston cosmetic dermatology treatments. Additionally, skincare products like daily SPF can also protect your skin from damaging sunlight that may accelerate cellular aging and create pigmentation concerns.
No two people have the same exact skin or aesthetic goals, so it’s important to understand that you can customize your treatment plan. For example, some people may only want to rejuvenate the skin, while others may have multiple concerns like acne and contouring needs. No matter what your overall goal is, mixing and matching aesthetic treatments can help you achieve them.
Discovering which treatment is ideal for your needs will depend on the condition of your skin, your aesthetic concerns, and which treatments are most appropriate for your skin type and tone. During a consultation with Dr. Ip, your skin will be carefully examined and analyzed to identify specific concerns. Then you will discuss your treatment goals so a customized treatment plan can be made for you.
Certified dermatologists are committed to helping you achieve all of your aesthetic goals. The foremost goal of cosmetic dermatology is to prioritize the health of your skin so you can enhance your natural beauty. When your skin is healthy, your beauty goals will follow.
The number of treatments you will need will depend on both the condition of your skin and the treatment being used. For example, with laser and IPL treatments, you will generally need three to six initial treatments to achieve significant results. With facials, you may need monthly appointments to maintain your results. We will be able to give you a better idea of how many treatments you will need based on your skin condition and your aesthetic goals.
It’s important to remember that cosmetic dermatology is not plastic surgery, so the results of any treatment will be temporary. For example, while neurotoxins can produce results for four months, a dermal filler can produce results for a year or longer. The longevity of your results will depend on your specific biology, how well you take care of your skin after your treatment, and the exact treatment used.
The length of your results will be used to determine the best treatment frequency for you. It’s common to have annual appointments once or twice a year to maintain the results of some treatments, such as laser treatments or microneedling. If your results last longer because collagen remains in the sub-dermal layers of your skin longer, then your treatment frequency may be more spaced apart.
One of the wonderful things about Boston cosmetic dermatology services is that virtually everyone is a good candidate. Cosmetic dermatology treatments can be customized to your exact skin type and skin tone, which makes these treatments generally compatible with all ages and genders. Even those who have sensitive skin and certain skin conditions, like acne, can easily use cosmetic dermatology to improve the appearance of their skin.
There are very few restrictions associated with this treatment. However, if you have certain allergies or if you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, you may not be able to use these treatments. Some skin conditions, like psoriasis and eczema, may also prevent you from using treatments until your skin is clear.
Cosmetic dermatology serves a very different role from medical dermatology – but make no mistake, superficial skin concerns can be every bit as disheartening as medical skin conditions. If you want to restore the appearance of your skin and enhance your natural beauty, then you will certainly find a cosmetic dermatology treatment that works with your skin needs and aesthetic goals. Please contact Vibrant Dermatology & Skinbar MD in Dedham, MA to schedule your first appointment today.