There are many challenges associated with aging. When most people think of aging, the first thing that probably comes to mind is changes to their appearance. Go to any drugstore, and you’ll see shelf after shelf of skin creams, eye gels, refining masks, toners and other products that claim to be able to turn back time and restore a more youthful appearance.
If you’ve spent years trying these off-the-shelf skin care products and still aren’t seeing the results you want, you may be wondering what alternative options are available to improve your skin. At Richmond Surgical Arts’ Skin Rejuvenation Center, we offer some of the most cutting-edge products and techniques for patients who are concerned about maintaining healthier, younger-looking skin as the years go by.
Your Skin Deserves an Expert Touch
Our skin care and laser specialists are not only extremely skilled in their field, but also dedicated to providing the best possible care for each patient. Whether you are seeking laser treatments, injectable dermal fillers or additional services, we will consult with you to create a tailored treatment plan for all your needs. You can rest assured in the safety and quality of any treatments you receive at Richmond Surgical Arts, since a board-certified cosmetic surgeon supervises our entire skin care clinic.
If you’re considering our Richmond, Virginia, skin care clinic to restore a more youthful appearance, read more about two of our most popular anti-aging skin care treatments and learn whether they are the right choice for you.
Fractional Laser Treatment
Fractional laser treatment is a non-invasive procedure that targets skin a fraction at a time by using a laser beam split into thousands of microscopic treatment zones.
At the Skin Rejuvenation Center, we use the Fraxel® Laser Treatment to intensively treat skin cells in segments, without touching any of the surrounding tissue. This treatment is superior to older methods of laser skin care, because it reduces healing time and promotes the skin’s natural process for creating new, healthier tissue to replace the damaged cells.
How Does Fraxel® Work?
Laser skin treatment removes old, damaged surface skin to stimulate the growth of new, healthier skin cells. By treating your skin in tiny treatment zones, the laser leaves the surrounding tissue intact. A fractional laser is gentler on skin and relies on the body’s natural healing process to improve the look of common skin imperfections. Fraxel® is an effective treatment for skin on faces, necks, chests and hands, and can also reduce unsightly stretch marks.
Benefits of Fraxel® Laser Treatment
● Improve skin texture and tone, while minimizing pore size
● Erase unwanted discoloration caused by sun damage
● Smooth acne scars, stretch marks and fine lines around the eyes
● Rejuvenate the skin on your face, neck, chest and hands
● Non-invasive procedure leads to minimal recovery time
During and After Fraxel® Laser Treatment
Fractional laser treatment takes between 20 and 25 minutes for a full face. We apply a topical anesthetic ointment to the treatment area, so most patients describe feeling only a slight prickling sensation during treatment. On average, patients see optimal improvement after four Fraxel® treatments, spaced four to six weeks apart.
Redness and swelling are the two most common side effects of the Fraxel® laser. However, they are generally minimal and will subside within a day or two. During the first 24 hours after treatment, your skin may feel like you have a sunburn. There is a very limited risk of infection or scarring. Patients who have received Fraxel® laser treatment should avoid direct sun exposure during the healing process, and always apply sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher before going outside.
Injectable Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are a relatively recent introduction to the world of cosmetic procedures. Many patients are opting to receive injectables to achieve a more naturally youthful look without undergoing surgery.
Dermal fillers are designed to replace lost volume in the face, which loses its youthful contours as we age. Facial filler products on the market today have all been approved by the FDA, and most of them are derived from substances produced naturally in your body, such as collagen and hyaluronic acid.
With precise placement, a skilled technician can plump up areas such as cheeks, lips and the backs of hands, as well as fill in “parentheses lines” or “marionette lines” around the mouth. Facial fillers offer long-lasting, natural-looking results without the recovery time or potential side effects of a surgical cosmetic procedure.
What Are the Benefits of Dermal Fillers?
Some patients opt to use injectable fillers to reshape their entire face. Other patients have a goal of lifting or contouring specific facial features, or helping improve the look of wrinkles.
Injections with dermal fillers can help improve:
● The look of dark circles or bags under eyes
● Loose skin around chin or neck areas
● Sunken cheeks, temples or backs of hands
● Sagging or wrinkles around the corners of the mouth
What Injectable Options Are Available?
At the Skin Rejuvenation Center, we offer the Juvéderm, Radiesse and Restylane product families, all of which are nontoxic, bio-compatible and suitable for any skin type. Depending on the types of products used and the facial area being treated, the results of injectable fillers may last up to two years. Some patients can also achieve even longer-lasting results by choosing to use muscle relaxers such as Botox® or Dysport® in addition to dermal fillers.
If your goal is to look subtly younger, reduce wrinkles and creases, restore natural facial contours or achieve a more rested, energetic look without surgery, injectable dermal fillers may be the solution you’re looking for.
Richmond Surgical Arts, Inc. has proudly served the Richmond, Virginia area for more than a decade. Our wide range of beauty services makes us your one-stop solution for any skin care needs. This article just provides a small taste of the many options available at our Skin Rejuvenation Center. Learn more about all the skin care treatments we offer, then call our clinic at 804-560-5260 to schedule your free consultation and begin your journey toward younger, healthier skin.
