This year we at Sutton Place Dermatology are excited about offering significant, impressive minimally invasive procedures that result in long lasting rejuvenation of the skin.

There are essentially three major types of aging that we all undergo. Genetic (sagging, loss of supporting structures), Environmental (toxins, tobacco smoke, alcohol, pollutants) and Ultraviolet (sunburns, tanning beds, daily sun exposure)

All three can now be addressed successfully with a non-surgical approach.

First, the procedure PhotoDynamic Therapy (PDT) is able to reduce the damage of the sun's ultraviolet rays in the skin. This procedure involves the use of a medication, commonly found in green plants known as a Levulan Kerastick, that is selectively absorbed by sun damaged skin cells.

After an incubation period of about one hour the skin is exposed to an intense pulse light source (IPL) which results in a photochemical reaction within 24 hours. This produces what appears to be a sunburn; but actually is just the opposite, it is in fact the anti-sun burn. Because what peels away over several days are only the rough, red, scaly and discolored patches our skin leaving behind healthy normal skin it to repopulate the damaged areas.

Next, to counteract some of the more extensive genetic and environmental effects of skin aging, we can use the Fraxel laser. This is one of the most significant breakthroughs in skin rejuvenation to date. If one thinks of our skin as a high quality digital photograph it is easier to understand the mechanism of action in this process. The fraxel laser actually replaces microscopic areas of our skin with new skin similar to the touching up a photograph pixel by pixel. Here we target both layers of the skin, namely the epidermis (surface layer) and the dermis (the collagen layer). These treatments results in smoother, softer and fresher skin. Fine lines, facial wrinkles, sun spots, and roughness actually fade away. We can also treat the chest, arms, hands and neck with similar results. It also significantly improves acne scars.

The number of treatments is different in each individual and need to be discussed with one of our physicians.. You can expect redness and some swelling for about 48 hours. One is able to use sunscreen, makeup or other concealers during this period.

Lastly, Sculptra, a sugar derived material that has a 20 year safety record for its use as a dissolvable suture can stimulates yet the deepest layers of our skin, namely the deep dermis and subcutis to regenerate. The loss and thinning of these layers in our skin contribute greatly to our aging process. This change is mainly genetic and up until recently was only corrected with surgery. Now we can add volume to the face, notably to the cheeks, under eye area, regions around the mouth and temples. This revolutionary concept departs from the "old school" idea of filling lines - like with collagen, and replaces it with a “new school” volume approach. After all if our face was tighter, fuller and not sagging we would have less 'lines' to fill. Although fillers (Radiance and Restylane) are appropriate for certain folds, creases and scars, they cannot actually 'lift' the face which is now possible with Sculptra.

Sculptra has been used in over 30 countries since 1999 and as a suture material for 20 years. Multiple treatment sessions may be necessary. Final results are seen after 6-8 weeks of treatment. It is FDA approved.

Please schedule an appointment with one of our doctors to further discuss you specific needs.