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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Physician Skincare & Prescription Products
For Anti-Aging & Dermatology
1. What is Physician Skin Care?
2. When can Physician Skin Care be use?
3. What does a typical Physician Skin Care consultation entail?
4. How is Physician Skin Care performed or administered?
5. What should I expect post-treatment?
6. Does Physician Skin Care burn or sting?
7. When will I be able to see the results?
8. What are the risks of Physician Skin Care?
9. Are the results permanent?
1.
What is Physician Skin Care?
Physician skin care is of course
the a great course of action for those who have skin and complexion woes and who
do not respond successfully to over the counter formulations. Some
individuals may need increased exfoliation to remove several layers of skin
either all at once with deep chemical peels or through gradual chemical-induced
exfoliation via products such as Retin A or alpha hydroxy acids. There are
options which use manual exfoliation such as microdermabrasion
or dermabrasion, as well. There are even
more invasive measures which use laser light (laser
resurfacing) to remove several layers of skin instantly.
2.
When
can Physician' Skin Care be used?
Physician Skin Care is generally started from the
early teens on up to whatever age you fee like it. Many men and women well
up into their 80's use Physician's Skin Care.
3.
What
does a typical Physician Skin Care consultation entail?
After
checking a several physicians' backgrounds and credentials, you will make an
appointment for a consultation. You will meet with these
surgeons/dermatologists/aestheticians (depending) and discuss your goals and you
will disclose all information regarding your health; if you smoke, what
medications or vitamins you presently take, etc. - this is very important. You
really should consider smoking cessation as this can significantly decrease
healing for more invasive procedures.
Visit
the Medication & Supplements List for more
information. Also smoking can significantly affect vascularity and contribute
to poor skin complexion and condition.
You will discuss your complaints
and concerns and discuss the various techniques, the amount that can be
corrected, etc. He or she should discuss the risks associated with
hyperpigmentation removal procedures with you, as well.
If you would like
more information on Consultations or a list of questions to ask your surgeon
please visit the Consultation Help Page.
If you should choose to book or reserve a surgery date for a more invasive
treatment you will usually give a deposit to hold your surgery date. Most times
if you cancel a few days beforehand, this amount is non-refundable. After paying
your deposit and scheduling a surgery date, you will also schedule a
pre-operative appointment...
4.
How is Physician Skin Care treatment performed or administered?
It can be either in office thin
peels and treatments or at home regimens. This is highly dependent upon
your needs, your dedication and your budget.
5.
What should I expect post-treatment?
Great skin isn't
uncovered overnight. Great skin takes time -- generally a lot of time.
Be patient and be realistic in your expectations as exfoliation takes many days
if you wish to have no down time from immediate exfoliation measures (laser
resurfacing, dermabrasion, deep chemical peels, salibrasion, etc.). If you
don't mind the downtime than consider the more invasive options which carry with
it more risks but faster benefits.
Many treatments -
especially home care regimens - leave you red and peeling and even worse off
than you were original, at first. Perseverance will get you where you want
to be. Just remember this. Many patient stop because the benefits
are uncovered and they are left with distaste for these treatments -- often never
going back and finishing. Please trust us, there is a silver lining if you
stick with it.
6.
Does Physician Skin Care burn or sting?
This depends upon your course of action, it very
well may but nothing too serious that a little cool air from a blowing fan can't
help with. During some aggressive home regimens of Retin A use there may
be cracking and bleeding of the skin around the mouth and corners of the eyes if
you aren't careful. Strictly abide by your physician's instructions!
7.
When will I be able to see the results?
Anywhere from right away to many months from now
- more invasive treatments provide benefits much faster but usually carry with
it downtime. Gradual means will give you gradual benefits --
but with little or no downtime.
8.
What are the risks of Physician Skin Care?
The risks, complications &
contraindications vary significantly and is highly dependent upon the treatment
chosen.
For Chemical Peels:
If you
have oral herpes. You MUST gain the approval of your primary physician and
seek a prescription for oral acyclovir - one brand name is Zovirax®.
This is very important! Zovirax® can significantly decrease your chances
of a break out. If you have a break out during your healing period, it can
spread to your entire face and result in severe and permanent scarring.
Be careful of crusting or
excessive weeping. In AHA peels you may think this is normal but there is
a borderline appearances that you must watch out for. Ask your skin care
specialist for specifics regarding what to look for. If for a typical AHA
peel, you should feel and look normal within 3 to 4 days. For deeper peels
your downtime may take weeks and then months for complete recovery.
If you experience painful areas of the face, contact your surgeon or skin care
specialist immediately - ESPECIALLY if you are prone to cold sores.
Blisters that form will need to be reported immediately!
Hyperpigmentations (excessive
coloration) and hypopigmentation (lack of pigmentation) can be problematic of
misdiagnosed skin types, failure to reveal any skin problems or ethnicity and
improper post-peel care. Infection is uncommon but possible so keep an eye
out for redness and pain.
Scarring is a problem if the
above is experienced so please adhere to your post-peel instructions to decrease
your chances of long term or permanent, visible signs of damage.
For Microdermabrasion:
There are not many risks
associated with microdermabrasion if you are a healthy adult, but
enough to mention for those of you with skin or medical conditions.
If the
medical grade machines are used at high power it carries potential risks of
hyperpigmentation, perforation, bleeding, and infection. Infection can also be a
risk if the machines are not sterile. Many components of these machines are
meant to be sterilized, autoclaved or changed out with a new disposable piece.
Any and all pieces that come into contact with your skin should be able to be
sterilized or changed out. Furthermore, it was brought up by a doctor in an
article on Medscape, that there could be possible harm from the inhalation of
the aluminum in the Al2O3 crystals, also known as Corundum.
*Also, you should
NOT have a microdermabrasion treatment on the affected area if you have the
following:
-
Undiagnosed lesions
-
Recent herpes outbreaks
-
Warts
-
Active, weeping acne (stages
3-4)
-
Active Rosacea
-
Unstable diabetes
-
Auto-immune system disorders
-
Some patients hyperpigment
post-op. Lower pressures are used on follow-up treatments for these
individuals.
*source for the
immediate above, Medscape Medical Journal (1999)
For Melanin Blocking-type
Formulations:
Risks can be irritation, permanent hypopigmentation, increased
hyperpigmentations if you do not use sun block during this time.
Ochronosis (black speckles or discolorations) if high strengths are used for
long periods of time - especially in patients with
ethnic backgrounds, or naturally darker skin.
Surgical Alternatives
& Their Risks, Complications & Contraindications
For Laser Resurfacing:
There are minor risks and
complications involved with Laser Skin Resurfacing which include but are not
limited to prolonged hyperpigmentation. In 5 to 10% of patients, darkening or brown
discoloration will occur requiring bleaching creams. This will generally
resolved the discoloration in 2 to 3 months. Prolonged redness occurs in 3
to 5% of
patients and this delays the fading to normal color by about 2 months.
There may be more
intense burns associated with laser resurfacing. Take care in choosing your
surgeon wisely. A specialist should be sought as the surgeon who is not
experienced with the technique and light touch could very well burn
you rather deeply, making matters worse.
If you have oral
herpes. You MUST gain the approval of your primary physician and seek a
prescription for oral acyclovir - one brand name is Zovirax®. This
is very important! Zovirax® can significantly decrease your chances of a
break out. If you have a break out during your healing period, it can
spread to your entire face and result in severe and permanent scarring.
Patients with olive
skin, brown skin or black skin (ethnic skin tones) may be at risk for
pigmentation changes (hypo-/hyper- pigmentation) no matter what type of
resurfacing method is recommended. Your surgeon should evaluate your skin
characteristics and family history before making any diagnosis for treatment.
*Warning: Patients having used Accutane in the past 12 to 18 months, those who are
prone to abnormal scarring or Keloids and those with frequent skin
eruptions such as psoriasis, eczema and herpes may not be good candidates for
Laser Skin Resurfacing. Consult with your doctor for more on this subject.
For
Intense Pulsed Light:
Although rare, blistering
or slight bleeding is possible as is hypo- or hyper-pigmentation
(lightened or darkened areas of skin). If pigmentation problems occur, it may be
anywhere from 3 to 12 months before normal skin tome returns. This is especially so
with hypo-pigmentation (lack of color). Be aware that some patients may
experience permanent skin pigmentation changes. Scarring is possible although it
too is a rare occurrence.
9.
Are the results permanent?
This depends upon your maintenance
dedication and habits thereafter. Photo damage can happen again if you
choose to sunbathe and expose yourself to UV light or harsh chemicals, smoking,
hormones, drugs, etc. While skin care can dramatically improve skin tone
and texture -- it cannot stop the aging process.
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