Some severely pitted areas are best recontoured or filled for optimum results. Several new hypoallergenic injectable skin volume enhancers that last up to a year now offer safe solutions to scar treatment. Because they are not made from animal product they will not cause allergic reactions seen with collagen® or Hylaform®.
They are produced by bacterial fermentaion a process that uses our own DNA as the template for production (the same way human insulin is made). Restylane®, and Juvederm® use Hyaluronic acid to fill skin gaps. Hyaluronic acid is normally present in our skin and thus provides a natural way to improve deep scars.
Non animal stabilized hyluronic acid (Juvederm and Restylane) typically last 12-18 months with one injection. Safe, non-allergenic, and long-lasting, it is our preferred choice for facial recontouring.
The most common complication of treatment is mild swelling, redness and bruising at the injection site. The degree of swelling and redness will vary from individual to individual. Recovery times vary from 24-72 hrs.
Newer longer lasting fillers available today include products with Calcium Hydroxyl-apotite crystals (Radiesse®) and those made with Poly-L-Lactic Acid (Sculptra®).
Artecoll (PMMA mixed with collagen) typically last 3-5 years but requires multiple touch-ups and re-injections to achieve this property. Once injected into the skin the PMMA beads are in place permanently and can only be removed surgically if complications occur.
The Cosmolan Mask is a unique skin bleach preparation containing azelaic acid, kojic acid and ascorbic acid, effective for treating deeper hyperpigmented areas. The mask is applied in the office and left on for up to 9 hours. Our patients follow this with a daily at home cream applied for 3 weeks. Initially, there will be some redness and scaling for 10 days.
Age spots and photo-damaged can also be effectively treated with facial resurfacing procedures. Some will require surgical excision or cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen.