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Increasingly, men and women of all ages want to minimize the signs of aging, but don't want to take time away from their active lifestyles. Our specialties include:

Botox Injections
Microdermabrasion
Medical Skin Peels
Collagen Injections
Blepharoplasty (Eye Lid Surgery)

 

 
Botox Injections
 

Diminish Fine Lines and Wrinkles in Only Days

Botox® (Botulinum Toxin A) has been safely used by ophthalmologists for the past 20 years to treat patients with certain medical conditions such as eye spasms, central nervous system disorders and excessive muscle contractions. More recently, surgeons have been using Botox® injections to reduce frown lines, crow's feet, nasal crunch lines and horizontal creases in the forehead. The overall effect of Botox® is a relaxed, smooth appearance resulting in a patient that looks "much happier" and "less angry". Botox® can reduce or eliminate wrinkles without surgery. It is a unique treatment because unlike other non-surgical wrinkle treatments such as chemical/laser peels and collagen injections, Botox® corrects underlying muscle instead of the skin surface or subsurface. In many ways, Botox® may be the ideal cosmetic procedure because it produces dramatic results, has few side effects and is reversible. For patients that are not candidates for cosmetic surgery, Botox® may provide the solution for their quest for a more youthful appearance.

F.A.Q.

How does Botox® work?

Botox® injections work by binding to nerve endings and preventing the release of chemical transmitters that activate muscles. Botulinum toxin therapy is used to weaken the small muscles of the face that cause frown lines, crow's feet and other wrinkles. While Botox® affects the ability of the muscle to move, it does not impair sensory perception.

How long is the treatment?

The procedure takes 5 to 15 minutes with no downtime.

Who performs the treatment?

All treatments are performed by board certified surgeons who have developed strict parameters to maximize treatment effectiveness and minimize side effects.

What are the side effects of Botox injections?

There are no serious side effects associated with this treatment. The most common side effect is temporary soreness or bruising at the injection site. Eyebrow droop or eyelid droop, known as ptosis, is another side effect that can occur when Botox® is used around the forehead. This is a temporary condition that occurs in approximately 2-5% of patients and may last 2 to 4 weeks. A rather welcome side effect for some patients is the disappearance of tension and migraine headaches.

How long does the Botox® last?

Treatment may last 4 to 5 months. When the toxin begins to wear off, the wrinkles begin to reappear; however, they are frequently not as deep as the original ones. Clinical studies suggest that after several rounds of treatment, the patient may require Botox® injections less often.

What are other indications for Botox®?

Most experts agree that Botox® is most effective in the upper third of the face (eyes and forehead) but with care, other areas of the face and neck can be treated as well. Botox® has also been shown to be useful for the treatment of hyperhydrosis (sweating) of the hands and armpits. A small amount can significantly reduce perspiration from these areas for several months.

Is the treatment painful?

Because an extremely fine needle is used, the Botox® injection is quick and not particularly painful. After treatment, patients may immediately resume normal activities, though it is recommended that patients not lie down for 3 to 4 hours following treatment.

Who is not a good candidate for the procedure?

Botox® is not recommended for patients who are pregnant or nursing. It is also not recommended for patients who have a neurological disease or are concurrently taking aminoglycoside antibiotics.

How much does Botox® cost?

The cost of the treatment depends on how much Botox® is injected. This is customized by the surgeon for each individual.

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Chemical peel information
 

Microdermabrasion is a revolutionary new skin restoration process approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is commonly referred to as the “lunch time peel”. It was first introduced in Europe in 1986. The number of procedures in the United States has rapidly increased due to it’s rejuvenating effects. The process of microdermabrasion consists of highly controlled vacuum and pressure applied to small abrasive crystals over the surface of the skin. By repeating this process over the course of several weeks or months, the younger, softer skin moves to the surface, revealing more radiant, younger and tighter skin underneath. Treatable conditions include: sun damaged skin, enlarged pores, oily and acne prone skin, superficial acne scars, blackheads and whiteheads, age spots and superficial pigmentation, and fine wrinkles. If you are in good health, microdermabrasion may be the answer to smoother, healthier skin.

Q & A:

Is microdermabrasion painful?

No. It is a gentle “sandblasting” of the skin.

Is there any downtime?

No. Because the procedure is non-invasive and non-surgical, patients can return to normal activities immediately. Perspiration can irritate the skin for the first several hours, so you may want to wait till the next day to exercise.

How long does it take?

Treatment time varies from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the severity of the skin problem and area being treated.

Who is a poor candidate for microdermabrasion?

Patients with a history of cold sores (Herpes virus), rosacea, or sunburn should be cautious about treatment.

What are the pre-treatment and post-treatment recommendations?

Stop all prescription skin creams such as Retin-A or Renova several days prior to treatment. Wait several days to resume creams or other deep exfoliative treatments such as waxing. Notify the doctor of any cold sores or open cuts. For women: remove all make-up prior to coming to treatment. You may wear light make-up after treatment. For men: Shave several hours before treatment, not right before. Direct sun exposure should be avoided the week after treatment and sunscreen should be used.

How many treatments are necessary?

Most patients require six to twelve treatments that are done 2 to 3 weeks apart. After that, patients may wish to return every 2 to 3 months to maintain younger looking, smoother skin. These desirable effects will increase over the course of the treatment series. However, expectations must be realistic.

Can it be combined with chemical peels?

Yes. This is commonly done and the two procedures have a synergistic effect.

How is microdermabrasion different in a medical office verus a spa?

At Laservue, a doctor administers the treatment for best results. Also, the microdermabrasion machine is a medical device and much more powerful than a spa unit or “aesthetic spa machine.” The doctor can also recommend additional therapies or prescription medications for maximum results.

Can areas other than the face be treated?

Yes, all areas of the body can be treated. The second most commonly treated area is the back.

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Chemical peel information
 

Brighter and More Radiant Skin

Throughout history, people have looked for ways to achieve a younger, more vibrant look by improving their facial appearance. If you want healthier, smoother looking skin, now there's a way to noticeably improve your complexion. A physician-strength chemical peel is a procedure used to improve the appearance of skin by removing the outermost layers so that new, regenerated skin can appear. You may notice improvements in skin color, tone, texture, as well as a reduction in appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Facial skin rejuvenation via chemical peeling is most effective when part of a total skin care program. An important advance in this treatment is the development of agents (derivatives of retinoic and glycolic acids) that prepare the skin prior to the peel and continue to improve the skin after the peel. We will help you to adopt a new daily cleansing regimen that will result in continued improvement of your new complexion. Of course, it is important to do your part in maintaining a healthy lifestyle - exercise daily to keep circulation moving, eat a diet with plenty of whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables, reduce stress and tension, avoid excessive sun exposure, wear sunscreen/sunblocks, protective clothing and sunglasses, and abstain from smoking.

F.A.Q.

What are the different types of peels?

We offer mild and medium-depth peels. Mild peels, sometimes referred to as "lunch hour peels", are performed using alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) or betahydroxy acids (BHAs). AHAs include glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids and are mild chemical solutions that lightly peel skin, often resulting in brighter looking, smoother skin. A salicylic acid peel (Biomedic Micropeel) is a betahydroxy acid that is effective for all skin types, especially acne-prone. Medium depth peels are performed using trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to correct moderate sun damage including age spots, freckles and actinic keratoses. The TCA is mixed with a special blue base (Obagi Blue Peel) to slow penetration and allow accurate monitoring of the peel depth to make the procedure as safe as possible. Although peels vary in intensity and depth, as a rule, the deeper the peel, the more profound the results and the longer the recovery time.

What type of peel should I have?

After carefully evaluating the condition of your skin, skin type and severity of discoloration and wrinkling, we can help to determine which type or combination of chemical peels is right for you.

What areas can be treated?

Chemical peels can be applied to the face, neck, hands, back and chest.

How is this treatment different than a salon or spa peel?

High strength AHA, BHA, or TCA products or treatments are available only through a medical skin care professional. The purpose of treatments is corrective skin care and not a "pampering" spa experience. The deeper TCA peels are performed by a surgeon who has specialized training and experience with this highly effective treatment.

How long does it take to perform a chemical peel?

Depending of the type of peel being performed, it may take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes and is performed right in the medical office.

What can I expect after my chemical peel?

The amount of peeling you experience and discoloration of your skin will depend upon the type and strength of the peel. After a mild peel, most patients report that their skin feels softer and smoother, and that they're able to resume their normal activities immediately. With a deeper peel, patients may experience light swelling and redness; and the skin will begin to peel within 2 to 3 days and should be healed in an average of 7 to 10 days. In either case, the peeling should not disrupt your regular lifestyle for long, although you may want to limit your normal activity and schedule well in advance of any special engagements. Also, avoid sun exposure right after the treatment.

Are there any instructions to follow before the peel?

For best results, avoid waxing, electrolysis, loofah or exfoliating products, and any products that may dry or irritate the skin including AHA, BHA, or Retinoic acid compounds one week prior to treatment. Arrive at the office make-up and perfume free. For men, it's best not to shave within a few hours of the peel.

How often should I have this treatment?

Ideally, a series of 4 to 6 light chemical peels, should be performed spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart and then maintained every 1 to 3 months. With a deeper Obagi blue peel, 1 to 3 peels can achieve dramatic improvements in many skin problems. For optimal results, treatments should be performed in conjunction with an at-home skin treatment regimen that can be recommended by your doctor.

What are the complications?

Complications are rare with mild peels. With deeper peels, complications include white heads, cold sores, infection, scarring, numbness and permanent discoloration, particularly in people with dark skin. However, the use of tretinoin or alpha hydroxy acids in combination with bleaching agents can reduce the risk of discoloration. They should be applied four to six weeks before and soon after the peel. Almost every effective wrinkle or pigmentation treatment increases sensitivity to the sun. It is therefore especially important to include sunblocks and avoid over-exposure when undergoing treatments.

Who is not a good candidate for a chemical peel?

If you are pregnant, breast feeding, taking Accutane, or have a chronic history of cold sores, you may not be a good candidate for the procedure. It is important to understand that chemical peels are not a substitute for facelifts, but can improve the quality of skin. Remember, improvement, not perfection, is the goal.

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collagen injections
 


Reduce Signs of Aging Overnight

Increasingly, men and women of all ages want to minimize the signs of aging, but don't want to take time away from their active lifestyles. Collagen is an important natural component of our skin's structure. In young skin, collagen is abundant and imparts plumpness and elasticity. As we age, the amount and quality of the collagen in our body decreases. As a result, our faces begin to show the effects of gravity, prolonged sun exposure, and years of repeated facial muscle movement. The underlying tissues that keep the skin looking youthful and plump begin to break down, often leaving laugh lines, thinned lips, crow's feet, and facial creases. Injectable collagen or fat can help fill in these lines and creases, temporarily restoring a smoother, more youthful appearance. It is important to realize that injectables cannot change facial contour and this procedure may need to be performed in conjunction with a resurfacing or recontouring procedure. In certain locations, Botox and collagen are amazingly synergistic when used together.

F.A.Q.

What is cosmetic collagen?

Surgeons use a form of collagen derived from cows (injectable bovine collagen) to correct facial imperfections. The bovine collagen is purified to create a product that is very similar to human collagen. This injectable collagen received approval from the Food and Drug Administration in 1981. When injected underneath the skin, collagen serves to plump up deficient areas of the face filling out wrinkles, skin depressions and some scars.

What areas can be treated?

Common areas treated with collagen injections include crow's feet, nasolabial folds (crease from nose to corner of lip), perioral (around mouth) wrinkles, and lips.

How long does the collagen last?

The results of collagen injections are temporary because of its eventual absorption by the body. The duration of the effect is dependent upon several factors: age of the patient, the part of the body that's being treated, the patient's skin quality, genetic background and lifestyle. A touch-up or maintenance session is required every 2-6 months to maintain the desired correction.

Does the treatment hurt?

The collagen itself contains local anesthetic, but a topical anesthetic may be used in conjunction to reduce the discomfort. Most patients report that the injections are relatively painless, though you may find that the areas around the nose or lips are uncomfortable. You may experience some swelling or bruising for several days, so do not schedule your collagen the day before a special occasion.

How long does the treatment take?

Collagen injections treatments can take only minutes, depending on how many areas you wish to have treated. Results are immediate and procedure time is so short, you can sneak in a treatment at lunchtime.

Is it possible to have an allergic reaction to the treatment?

Prior to receiving collagen treatments, each patient is tested for a possible allergic reaction. A small amount of collagen is injected into the forearm and the area is observed for 4 weeks for any signs of an allergic reaction. Approximately 2% of patients are found to be allergic to collagen.

Who is not a candidate for collagen injections?

Collagen may be contraindicated in patients with allergies to bovine (cow) products or lidocaine, patients on steroid or immunosuppressive therapy, and in patients with connective tissue or auto-immune diseases.

What is the cost of collagen replacement therapy?

At the time of your consultation, your surgeon will determine how much collagen will be needed to achieve your desired results, and give you fee estimate for the procedure.

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collagen injections
 


Blepharoplasty

Your eyes are often the first thing people notice about your face and are an important aspect of facial attractiveness. The eyelids protect one’s eyes in addition to adding to their cosmetic appearance.

Unfortunately, over time your upper and/or lower eyelids may become “droopy” or “baggy” because the eyelid skin stretches, muscles weaken, and fat pockets bulge and become more prominent around the eyes. This most commonly occurs because of the aging process but also may be a hereditary condition that runs in your family. Your eyebrows also may sag or droop as part of this same process.

Aesthetically, such conditions may detract from the overall attractiveness of one’s eyes and cause a “tired” or older appearance. When severe, these conditions also may cause functional problems, such as impaired field of vision (baggy upper lids) or difficulty wearing glasses (baggy lower lids).

SURGERY

Eyelid surgery to improve the appearance of the eyelids is termed “blepharoplasty”. Blepharoplasty surgery is usually an out-patient procedure performed under local anesthesia, with sedation if desired.

The goal of this eyelid surgery is to reduce the ‘baggy” or sagging tissues, which may include skin, muscle, and fat pockets. In upper eyelid surgery, typically all three types of tissue are removed. In lower eyelid surgery, sometimes only fat pockets need to be removed, or the skin and muscle also may need to be included.

If only fatty tissue needs to be removed from the lower eyelids and not any skin, the surgery can be performed behind the eyelid. This is known as “transconjunctival blepharoplasty”.

In cases where the eyebrows are also droopy, a procedure to elevate the eyebrows may be appropriate. This procedure, known as the brow or forehead lift, may be done directly above the eyebrows, within the forehead creases, or by approaching the brows from the hairline as a “coronal brow lift”.

AFTER SURGERY

Following surgery, cold compresses are applied to the eyelids to reduce swelling and bruising. These are later followed by warm compresses to improve blood flow to the area and aid in the healing. The eyes do not need to be patched shut. During the first week, antibiotic ointment is applied to the eyelids, and strenuous activity should be minimized.

Discomfort is usually minimal after surgery. Aspirin products and “blood thinners” should be avoided before and after surgery because of their tendency to increase bruising.

After surgery, one may temporarily experience minor discomfort, tightness of the eyelids, swelling, bruising, and dryness of the eyes. These will usually resolve as the wound heals. Excessive pain, bleeding, infection, or loss of vision in the period following surgery is very rare. In the unlikely event that such problem should occur, you should notify your physician promptly.

Complications that may occur include slight asymmetry in eyelid appearance or eyelid position. These problems occur infrequently and may require additional surgery to correct.

Blepharoplasty surgery can provide both cosmetic and functional improvement with minimal risk of serious problems. Most patients are quite pleased with the results of their eyelid surgery. Please call 800-263-2078 for a complimentary personal consultation with Dr. Singh.

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