Botox
Sculptra
Collagen
Radiessee
Juvederm
Chemical Peels
Laser Resufacing
The aging process of skin can be accelerated by factors such as excessive sun exposure and smoking. This may result in the loss of elasticity, thinning of the deeper layers of the skin, pigmentation changes, and the propagation of both pre-malignant and malignant lesions of the skin. Often such early changes in elasticity and thinning are seen with fine lines around the eyes and mouth, drooping of skin around the jowls, accentuation to the cheek folds, and thinning of the lips. In some individuals, drooping of the forehead and excessive activation of the forehead muscles can also result in deep furrows of the brow reqion.
Dr. Lucas's philosophy incorporates early intervention with a maintenance home skin care program which is non-invasive and can provide a healthier appearance of the skin. If patients have oily skin with acne this also can be addressed with a home regimen.
If fine lines around the eyes and brows are the focus of attention, then a non-invasive treatment such as Botox can be easily performed in the office with little or no downtime and without anesthesia. Botox works through a process of injecting a dilute toxin into the muscles just under the skin to paralyze the activity resulting in the loss of the fine wrinkle. To maximize the benefit of this treatment a keen understanding of the anatomy and balancing forces of opposing muscles is necessary. Therefore, Dr. Lucas feels strongly that he should personally administer Botox to his patients and that this should not be done by his ancillary staff, a common practice in other offices.
In certain individuals with prolonged sun damage and aging, a chemical peel can be a sufficient treatment to reverse some of the aging process. This technique works by applying a mild acid to the skin surface to break down the cohesive forces of skin cells and cause them to slough. The selection of the acid and strength determines the depth of the chemical burn. The deeper the sun damage, the deeper the peel needed to provide optimal results. These procedures can be performed without anesthesia in the office and are quite affordable.
Individuals with acne scarring and or leathery skin from sun exposure will often benefit from a Laser Resurfacing. A laser is yet another technique to provide a controlled thermal burn to the skin surface to result in resurfacing the skin with new fresh layers and some tightening to the skin through post- laser scar contraction. This is a more invasive procedure requiring anesthesia and has a more prolonged recovery compared to a chemical peel. However, for certain individuals this may be the treament of choice.
With respect to the lips, with age there is thinning of the deeper layers further accentuating furrows of the skin. Also, it is common for the aging process to effect the lip volume, resulting in thin lips that lack definition. Traditional filling agents include natutal fat grafts of dermis grafts transported from another site of the body to enhance deficiencies. This can result in a satisfying result but requires a donor site. For patinets who wish to have little discomfort and no down time, collagen injections can be a good filler source. This can be done in the office quite easily, but the results last only for three to four months then need to be repeated.
Newer filler agents such as Radiessee, Restylene, and Juvederm offer similar benefits of collagen but last longer. The results of Radiessee may last up to servral years and have little of no adverse reactions.
Dr Lucas Now Offers Sculptra Aesthetic
Sculptra Aesthetic is indicated for the correction of shallow to deep nasolabial fold (smile lines) contour deficiencies and other facial wrinkles which are treated with the appropriate injection technique in healthy people.
Sculptra Aesthetic is a new type of facial injectable made from poly-L-lactic acid, which helps to replace lost collagen. It helps correct shallow to deep facial wrinkles, and folds, that appear with aging by replacing lost collagen. The main ingredient is a biocompatible, biodegradable synthetic material that has been used by physicians for decades.
Collagen is a key structural component that keeps skin youthful looking and smooth. As you age, your body's collagen production decreases, and you may begin to see wrinkles. Sculptra Aesthetic works to correct shallow to deep facial wrinkles and folds, as it replaces lost collagen, which can help provide a refined, more youthful looking appearance.
Sculptra Aesthetic works to replace lost collagen in a series of treatments. On average, three injection sessions are needed over a period of a few months. The number of injection sessions and the number of injections per session vary from person to person.
To lean more...
- Contact Dr Lucas to schedule a consultation, and find out if Sculptra Aesthetic is right for you.
- Visit the Sculptra Aesthetic website for more information.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SKIN CARE
For a complete skin rejuvenation analysis, schedule an individual consultation with Dr. Lucas by contacting us online or calling The Lucas Center at (865) 218-6210.
More information from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons: