Cosmetic Dermatology

  Sclerotherapy
  Facial Peels
  Botox Cosmetic
  Juvederm
  RestylaneŽ
  Sculptra
  Lipodissolve
  Laser Therapy
  PhotoDynamic Therapy
   
Sclerotherapy
Spider veins are clusters of red, blue or purple veins that usually appear on the thighs, calves and ankles. Spider veins are a result of excess blood in the blood stream backing up and creating new veins on the skin’s surface. Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical procedure that removes or improves the appearance of these unwanted veins. A sclerosing solution is injected with a very fine needle into the blood vessel causing the vessel wall to be absorbed resulting in complete disappearance of the vessels or a lighter color in appearance. Results are normally seen over a 4-6 week period and follow up treatments may be necessary. Sclerotherapy does not prevent new vessels from appearing: it only treats vessels that have been injected.
 
Facial Peels

Microdermabrasion – Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical exfoliating treatment used to improve skin texture, uneven skin color, acne and acne scarring, sun-damaged skin, age spots, fine lines, or rough skin. Microdermabrasion is performed with a stream of fine crystals which are delivered across the skin’s surface and then removed with a mild suction. The gentle abrasive action of the crystals combines with the suction to remove the damaged cells revealing fresh invigorated skin. To achieve maximum results, several treatments are recommended, typically scheduled one to two weeks apart. The procedure takes about 30 minutes and you may return immediately to your daily activities.

Chemical Peels are topically applied acids that aid in the restoration and rejuvenation of the skin’s surface. Chemical peels help to slough off the dead cells on the surface of the skin and then stimulate the skin’s natural process to promote regeneration and renewal of the skin. Typically, there is no downtime and with appropriate sun protection you can resume regular activities immediately. Southern Illinois Dermatology currently offers glycolic and salicylic peels. Ask us which peel is best for your skin concerns.

 
Botox
Botox® Cosmetic is a simple, nonsurgical treatment that can temporarily smooth moderate to severe frown lines between the brows. Injections of Botox® Cosmetic can also improve crow’s feet, forehead lines, and achieve brow lifting. One 10-minute treatment – a few tiny injections – and within days the results are noticeable and natural appearing. Treatments can last up to 4 months and if you continue Botox® Cosmetic treatments regularly its effectiveness may increase and last longer than 4 months.
 
Juvederm

Juvederm injectable gel is a nonsurgical, physician-administered treatment for those wrinkles and folds in the lower third of the face.  It is made from Hyaluronic acid – a naturally occurring substance in your skin that helps to hydrate and add volume.  Hyaluronic acid may diminish with age, contributing to the formation of wrinkles and folds.  Juvederm injectable gel works to correct this by restoring hyaluronic acid in your skin, helping to smooth wrinkles and folds.  There is minimal recovery or downtime and most patients need one treatment to achieve optimal wrinkle smoothing, and the results last up to 6 months or more.  However, results may vary and supplemental “touch up” treatments may be required to achieve and maintain optimal results.

 
RestylaneŽ
Restylane® is a safe and natural cosmetic dermal filler that restores volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds around the nose and mouth. RestylaneŽ is also used for lip augmentation. Restylane ® is made of non-animal based hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that already exists in the human body to provide volume and fullness to the skin. RestylaneŽ is free from animal proteins which limits any risk of animal based disease transmission or allergic reaction. Studies have shown that Restylane® effects generally last for about six months; therefore treatments are typically scheduled twice a year.
 
Sculptra
Sculptra® is a safe, synthetic, and biocompatible material that is injected below the surface of the skin in the area of fat loss. Facial fat loss, or lipoatrophy, is the loss of fat beneath the skin, which can result in sunken cheeks, indentations, and hollow eyes. Sculptra® provides a gradual fuller and more sculpted appearance to the face by improving the appearance of folds and sunken areas. Treatment results may last up to 2 years but may differ among individuals.
 
Lipodissolve
Lipodissolve is a nonsurgical procedure which uses micro injections of fat dissolving medicines for reduction of localized fat deposits, cellulite, and skin retraction. Lipodissolve is a relatively new procedure to the United States but fat dissolving therapies originated in Italy as early as the 1980’s.The injections cause some fat cells to break down and your body’s natural enzyme process transports the waste to the liver and is then excreted from the body. Best results are seen on patients with small to medium fat deposits. Results may be noticed after each treatment, for maximum results 4 treatments are recommended for facial areas and 6 treatments for body areas. Desired results may be reached sooner based on the patient’s expectations and area of treatment. Treatments may be given as frequently as 2-3 weeks apart. Lipodissolve may be used to treat the following areas: underarm folds, triceps, dorsal (midback) bulges, love handles, upper abdomen, lower abdomen, saddle bags, double chin, jowls and cheeks. A balanced diet and exercise program should be maintained in order to optimize results. Dr. Van Acker is certified by The American Society of Aesthetic Lipodissolve and the International Meso-Lipotherapy Society.
 
Laser Therapy

Lasers have been used for many years for a variety of medical cosmetic procedures. Lasers work by focusing a beam of light to a target in the skin. Southern Illinois Dermatology provide a variety of laser treatments for both medical and cosmetic conditions

  • Light Sheer Diode Laser – For treatment of hair removal
  • Xtrac Laser – For treatment of psoriasis
  • Iridex Laser – For treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions
  • Smoothbeam Laser – For treatment of fine lines and wrinkles, collagen renewal, and acne
  • Fraxel re:store - For treatment of skin tone, plumping of acne scars and surgical scars, reduced wrinkles and fine lines, smoother skin texture.

Light Sheer Diode Laser – The Light Sheer Diode laser produces a highly concentrated light to remove unwanted hair. The light emitted by the Light Sheer is well absorbed by the pigment located in hair follicles. The laser pulses for a fraction of a second, just long enough to vaporize the pigment, disabling numerous follicles at a time to eliminate or significantly impede the hairs re-growth. The laser treats hair follicles that are in an active grow phase and because hair grows in phases more than one treatment is required to disable hair follicles that subsequently enter other growth phases. We will be happy to tell you more about your treatment and what you can expect during your free consultation.

 

XTRAC Laser – The XTRAC excimer laser is the first FDA approved laser treatment for psoriasis. The XTRAC uses a carefully focused beam of laser light delivered through a sophisticated fiber optic device to treat psoriatic skin plaques quickly and effectively. Because it concentrates light on active lesions, XTRAC delivers high-exposure doses necessary for rapid clearing without risk of damage to healthy skin. Individuals with mild to moderate psoriasis can often obtain relief in just 4 to 10 brief treatment sessions. You may see some results after just one treatment. Many psoriasis sufferers who have experienced XTRAC treatments have found that relief usually lasts for several months and is expected to last up to 6 months. Often remissions last as long as with conventional phototherapy but fewer treatments are needed to remain free of symptoms. Unlike cosmetic laser treatments, your insurance may cover this treatment. Please contact your insurance company directly for their coverage policy.

 

Iridex Laser – The Iridex DioLite laser is used to treat vascular and pigmented skin lesions. It is recommended for small linear vascular lesions and small epidermal pigment lesions. Vascular lesions may include telangiectasia, spider angiomas, cherry angiomas, venous lakes, and neovascularization around scars. Pigmented lesions may include lentigines, keratoses, dermatosis papulosis nigra, freckles and seborrheic keratoses.

 

Smoothbeam Laser – The Smoothbeam laser helps treat fine lines and wrinkles and acne. The laser targets and heats collagen in the upper layer of the skin (dermis) while protecting the outer layer of skin stimulating the formation of new collagen beneath the skin’s surface. This new collagen improves the skin's elastic capabilities and overall tone. This same heating process generates heat in and around the sebaceous glands in the upper layers of the skin. The heating of the sebaceous glands alters the function of these oil producing glands which results in a noticeable reduction in the number of acne lesions. Treatment with the Smoothbeam consists of multiple treatments, usually 3-5 every 3-4 weeks. Each individual situation may vary and it is best to discuss your situation and expectations with your provider.


Fraxel re:store - Remove years from your appearance. No surgery required. With the revolutionary Fraxel re:store laser treatment, you can get: Improved skin tone, plumping of acne scars and surgical scars, reduced wrinkles and fine lines, smoother skin texture. All in a series of treatments – with minimal downtime or discomfort. Remarkable results you can see and feel. Fraxel re:store laser treatment is a revolutionary new way to correct aged and damaged skin – without the prolonged downtime or adverse reactions of other resurfacing procedures. Safe and effective, the Fraxel re:store laser is cleared by the FDA and has undergone extensive testing in the lab and out in the field.  Fraxel re:store treatment is the accepted gold standard for treating these conditions: Acne scars, periorbital wrinkles, melasma (mask of pregnancy), iIrregular texture, sun spots and age spots (pigmented lesions).How it works: With Fraxel re:store treatment, you get dramatic results without going under the knife. Instead, Fraxel re:store laser treatment uses points of light to precisely treat thousands of microscopic areas of your skin. The treatment penetrates deep into the skin to remove old, damaged skin cells, stimulates your body’s own natural healing process, and replaces the cells with fresh, glowing, healthy skin. Because the technology is so precise, Fraxel re:store treatment works not only on the face, but also on delicate skin areas like the neck, chest and hands.

 
PhotoDynamic Therapy
Photo Dynamic Therapy (PDT) is a special treatment performed with a topical photosensitizing agent, Levulan® Kerastick®, activated with the correct wavelength of light, such as the Blu-U light. These treatments remove sun-damaged pre-cancerous zones and pre-cancerous lesions known as actinic keratoses. Sun damage, fine lines and blotchy pigmentation are also improved because of the positive effect of the treatments. PDT, in conjunction with the Levulon® stick also has the ability to minimize pores and reduce oil glands, effectively treating acne vulgaris and acne rosacea. To achieve maximum improvement, a series of three treatments 2-4 weeks apart is most effective.


Learn more about many procedures in
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