The following is an abbreviated list of skin refreshments offered in cosmetic dermatology to quickly, effectively and visibly refresh our looks. Treatments may be adjusted or combined to accommodate individual parameters and goals.

DERMAL FILLERS are used to replace lost volume and restore facial shape and structure, helping to lift and tighten sagging skin. Read about dermal fillers here and here and here.

BOTOX and other wrinkle relaxers are commonly used to reduce lines and wrinkles. Botox also can be used to reposition and lift brows, smooth upper lip lines, create a lip lift, smooth and tighten the neck, lift and sculpt the jawline, slim the face and lift mouth corners and nose tip.

Skin tightening treatments are appropriate for slight to moderate skin laxity, or for those with more severe facial aging who just want to improve skin quality as much as possible without the primary focus of skin tightening. Skin tightening treatments using radiofrequency (RF) target the deep dermis, inducing new collagen and elastin formation, promoting dermal remodelling and causing skin contraction. Read about Secret RF here.

Starting skin tightening treatments earlier than later can postpone or negate the need for a surgical lift. Treatments to start as early as possible to keep skin as tight and healthy as possible, for as long as possible, include chemical peels, SkinPen with TCA, regular therapeutic facials such as DiamondGlow.

IPL and Excel V treatments target melanin or pigment issues (sun damage, brown spots, age spots, PIH) and hemoglobin or vascular issues (broken capillaries, spider veins, facial redness, PIE).

What’s the difference between the two?

IPL uses photo-rejuvenation or a broad spectrum of intense pulsed light to shatter pigment and shrink broken capillaries. IPL treatments are very effective in calming diffuse redness and rosacea flares. IPL also can be used to kill acne bacteria and redness from lesions and PIE. IPL is limited to Skin Types I – II and a fair III. IPL is never an appropriate treatment option for melasma.

Lasers emit singular, coherent frequencies of laser energy to precisely target specific tissues at specific depths. Excel V laser targets hemoglobin for vascular issues and melanin for pigment issues. Because spot size and energy focus can be controlled, Excel V can precisely treat a wide range of skin issues involving pigment or vascularity with fewer treatments than IPL. Excel V also can be used for most all skin types.

Fractionated laser resurfacing using an ablative laser vaporizes scattered microscopic tunnels through the surface of skin (approximately 20% – 30% of the entire surface). Each vaporized tunnel is surrounded by unaffected skin which speeds healing and reduces downtime.

Because only 20% – 30% of skin’s surface is treated, multiple treatments may be required depending on skin’s response capabilities and issues to be treated.

Pixel Laser helps soften scars and stretch marks, reduces appearance of enlarged pores, and visibly refreshes and smooths skin texture. Pixel laser is not recommended for deep wrinkles or skin sagging; however, when Pixel Laser is combined with Secret RF, the most superficial to the deepest possible layers of skin are treated for impressive results, particularly in regards to skin tightening and scar and stretch mark treatments.

Microneedling is a highly effective and economical treatment for skin refreshment. FDA approved medical devices such as SkinPen, visibly improves a wide range of skin issues with little to no downtime over a series of treatments. Medical microneedling with SkinPen also is safe for all skin types.

Microneedling creates micropunctures in skin, initiating a wound healing cascade involving the release of various growth factors, fibroplasts and connective tissue proteins. These micropunctures also break down old, hard scar tissue, encouraging revascularization.

Histological examination of the skin treated with 4 microneedling sessions 1 month apart shows up to 400% increase in collagen and elastin deposition at 6 months postoperatively, with a thickened stratum spinosum and normal rete ridges at 1 year postoperatively.[10] Collagen fibre bundles appear to have a normal lattice pattern rather than parallel bundles as in scar tissue.

Generally, 3-6 treatments, scheduled 1-2 months apart, are recommended for most skin issues and visible skin rejuvenation.

In practice, we have observed that the results of a singular Secret RF treatment, microneedling with radiofrequency, is equivalent to multiple sessions of SkinPen.

Chemical Peels are an experienced aesthetician’s secret weapon for flawless skin. An experienced aesthetician knows which acids, acid combinations and concentrations can effectively treat specific issues and skin conditions. Read about chemical peels here.

DiamondGlow treatments provide immediately glowing, thoroughly cleansed and deeply nourished skin. DiamondGlow is a fabulous skin refreshment to have regularly. Read about it here.

Medical Grade Products have pharmaceutical or therapeutic benefits. While there are many wonderful OTC products, only medical grade products are formulated with consistent and effective concentrations of key ingredients that can penetrate skin to depths where the root of an issue resides. It is highly recommended that all retinoid, antioxidant, and pigment suppressing products be medical grade to be truly effective. Read more about medical grade products and our favorite products here.