Laser Treatments | Will Surgical Arts | Dr. Michael J. Will, MD, DDS, FACS

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Michael J. Will, MD, DDS, FACS
Maryland (301) 874-1707

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Tips for Guessing Someone’s Age after Laser Skin Resurfacing

aging-handsWith the rise in cosmetic enhancement procedures like Botox injections, laser skin resurfacing and injectable fillers, it can be near impossible to guess someone’s age these days. So the next time you find yourself a little curious, you’ll have to look beyond traditional signs of aging.

According to Dr. Scott Zevon, a plastic surgeon and clinical instructor at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, “hands often betray our age.”

If you really want to guess someone’s age, keep an eye out for the following signs of hand-related aging:

  • Age (liver) spots – When most people think about sun damage, they don’t even consider their hands. For this reason, the hands are particularly vulnerable to discoloration and sunspots.
  • Wrinkly skin – Wrinkles are a tell-tale sign of aging. Because the hands are usually drier than many other parts of the body (due to hand washing throughout the day), they’re more prone to wrinkles.
  • Translucent skin – The skin on our hands is actually thinner than the skin on our faces. Over time, as our hands naturally lose volume, causing our skin to look paper thin.
  • Lost volume – Like the face, decreased collagen production beneath the surface of the skin can cause our hands to lose volume as we age – eventually appearing sunken or hollow.
  • Noticeable veins – The veins, tendons and bones on our hands become much more prominent as we age and our skin begins to lose some of its elasticity (tightness).

Though the hands seem to be more of a tell-tale sign of age these days, many of the same procedures used for the face can be used for the hands as well. Retinoids, microdermabrasion and chemical peels are great for treating sun damage, while dermal fillers and laser skin resurfacing can add volume to the hands and minimize the appearance of wrinkles.

So really, it may be near impossible to guess someone’s actual age these days.

Source: Herald Online

Photo Credit: Flickr

3 SURGERY-FREE PROCEDURES TO GET YOU READY FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Maryland non surgical facial procedures

With everything that we have to do during the holidays – from running around for presents for the kids to preparing the Thanksgiving turkey – it may seem like there is not enough time to refresh your appearance before putting yourself out in front of friends and family at the next big holiday party. With just a few weeks until the holidays begin, a non-surgical procedure is a great way to achieve the look you want without missing out on any of the festivities

Here are three surgery-free facial procedures to consider this holiday season.
Continue reading “3 SURGERY-FREE PROCEDURES TO GET YOU READY FOR THE HOLIDAYS” »

Caring for Uneven Skin Tone

uneven skin toneCaring for your skin involves a lot of work. A variety of factors such as your overall health, age, hormone level and current skin care regimen can affect the way your skin looks. If you’re like millions of Americans, you’re currently suffering with discoloration or uneven skin tone, which can make you look tired, aged or unhealthy.

Your skin tone (as well as eye and hair color) is determined by varying amounts of a pigment called melanin. People with darker skin tones have more melanin than people with pale skin. Melanin serves as a shield against UV radiation. Uneven skin tone is caused by an uneven build-up of melanin in the outer layers of the skin.

The most common causes of uneven skin tone include:

  • Sun exposure – Excessive exposure to UV radiation can result in an overproduction of melanin to protect your skin.
  • Natural aging – As we age, our skin’s cellular turnover begins to slow down, resulting in a build-up of dead skin cells. The patches of dead skin cells appear as uneven patches of skin tone.
  • Hormonal imbalance – Hormonal changes that occur from pregnancy, hormonal contraceptive or even a thyroid imbalance can lead to melasma (patchy brown discoloration of the skin). This condition usually fades once your hormone levels normalize.
  • Skin inflammation – Acne, ingrown hairs, shaving and harsh skin care products can stimulate melanin production.
  • Vitamin deficiency – A deficiency in calcium, iron, Vitamin A, E, or B complex can all lead to uneven skin tone.

If you have uneven skin tone, there are several treatment options that can help:

  • Exfoliate! – Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells from the outer layers of your skin. Ideally, you should exfoliate 2-3 times per week.
  • Topical creams – Topical vitamin A or Hydroquinone cream (available by prescription) is essentially a bleaching treatment that works by blocking the production of melanin.
  • Cosmetic procedures – A variety of in-office procedures such as a IPL photofacial (Intense Pulsed Light therapy) can even out your skin tone.

Learn more about IPL photofacials and other treatments for uneven skin tone.

Common Types of Sun Damage

Sun damageWarm sun on your skin is one of the greatest feelings in the world, but unfortunately that feeling often comes with a price – sun damage. Unprotected skin is vulnerable to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause long-term changes to your skin.

Sun damage comes in many forms, but some of the most common types include:

  • Dry skin – When exposed to excessive amounts of sun, your skin can slowly lose natural moisture and essential oils. This can cause your skin to appear dry or flaky – resulting in an aged appearance.
  • Sunburn – Sunburn is a skin injury that occurs after the skin is exposed to UV radiation. Mild to moderate sunburn results in skin reddening and discomfort, but more severe cases can result in vesicles (fluid-filled bumps) or large blisters.
  • Actinic keratosis – When exposed to the sun for a long period of time, small rough patches may develop on your skin. It is possible for actinic keratosis to eventually turn into skin cancer.
  • Premature aging – UV damage to your skin can cause structural changes to the collagen beneath your skin, which ultimately results in fine lines and wrinkles.

Repeated unprotected sun exposure can significantly increase your risk of skin cancer. As a general rule, men and women with fair skin and light eyes are at an increased risk. This is due to a lack of melanin in the skin (which shields the skin from UV rays).

Wearing a daily SPF of 30 or greater is the best way to protect your skin from sun damage, but for some of us, the damage has already been done. If you’re unhappy with how sun damage has impacted your appearance, there are a variety of cosmetic treatment options available that can help:

Learn more about laser skin resurfacing and other treatments for sun damage in Urbana.

Surgeon Compares New Laser Procedure to Conventional Facelift

With so many technological advancements changing the field of cosmetic surgery, patients have options that are shorter and less invasive than techniques of the past. Lasers have been instrumental in the shift toward these procedures.

Energy was applied in grid pattern, with squares of the neck and lower face treated individually. This is one 54-year-old female patient who was about to undergo the procedure.

Lasers have been used to improve techniques in skin rejuvenation, liposuction and surgical incisions. Just five years ago, Cynosure’s 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser received FDA approval for performing surgical incision, excision, vaporization, ablation, and coagulation of soft tissues. Since then, cosmetic surgeons have continued to implement laser technology in new and interesting ways.

Sacramento facial surgeon Dr. Patrick McMenamin has introduced a new “laser facelift” procedure that he says can provide high patient satisfaction and shorter recovery at a lower cost than the traditional facelift. He explains the procedure in a new issue of the journal Facial Plastic Surgery, comparing it to the traditional facelift that he also performs.

The laser facelift procedure was partly inspired by findings from plastic surgeon Barry DiBernardo and his colleagues, who found that dual wavelength laser lipolysis could provide significant improvements in skin elasticity. Rather than fat removal, Dr. McMenamin’s goal was to achieve facial skin contraction and tightening.

Between May 2008 and May 2010, 40 patients underwent a laser facelift in the doctor’s Sacramento office surgery suite. Patients had different needs, so their procedures were tailored accordingly, with some patients receiving a full facelift or neck lift.

During the surgery, laser energy was carefully applied to the patient’s face in a grid pattern, while a minimal amount of fatty tissue was removed.

Most patients were back to work within 7 days, compared to the 10-12 day recovery period Dr. McMenamin typically sees with his traditional facelift patients. They also showed high satisfaction. “Although numerical data are not available and the number of patients is small, these patients appear to have been more satisfied than those undergoing non-laser face-lifts in my practice,” the doctor writes.

So is the laser facelift superior to a traditional facelift? According to Dr. McMenamin, it is a better procedure for addressing certain conditions. “I can now get better results in the nasolabial fold area, the lower part of the lip, and the jowls,” he explains, and “using this laser on the neck yields results that can be as good as those achieved by doing a traditional facelift.”

It also seems to be an excellent procedure for patients who are a) not yet ready for a full facelift, and b) would like a shorter recovery period. You can access the study abstract on Pubmed.

Read more about laser procedures here in Maryland.

Frequently Asked Questions: IPL Side Effects and More

Intense pulsed light or IPL is a great way to treat a variety of undesirable skin conditions.

Unlike traditional laser treatments, which emit one specific wavelength of light, IPL
treatments emit a broad spectrum of light with each pulse. The broad spectrum of light in each pulse makes IPL a versatile procedure capable of treating a variety of skin imperfections during a single treatment.

If you’re considering cosmetic IPL treatments, you probably have a few questions. Check out our list of frequently asked questions below.

What skin conditions can be treated with IPL?

IPL is a unique treatment option that can be used to treat a wide variety of cosmetic concerns including:

  • Uneven skin pigmentation
  • Vascular birthmarks
  • Facial redness
  • Freckles
  • Age spots
  • Broken capillaries
  • Rosacea
  • Sun damage

Are IPL treatments painful?

Generally, IPL treatments are not considered painful by most patients. Many compare a typical IPL session to the sensation of being snapped with a rubber band. Ultimately, your response will depend on your pain tolerance. Any discomfort will resolve within a few minutes of treatment.

What are the side effects of IPL treatment?

IPL side effects are generally both minor and temporary. It is possible that you will experience:

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Light bruising
  • Itching
  • Peeling
  • Scabbing

In some cases, more serious IPL side effects such as burning, blistering or scarring have been reported. When present, these side effects are typically more common in patients with darker skin.

Following pre and post-operative instructions, along with choosing a reputable practitioner will greatly decrease your likelihood of undesirable side effects.

Is more than one treatment necessary?

Yes, in most cases you will need more than one treatment to see drastic improvements. Most practitioners recommend between 3 and 5 treatments, though it really depends on the area and type of condition being treated.

What are some of the advantages of IPL verses traditional laser treatment?

One of the key advantages of IPL is that a single type of treatment can treat a wide range of skin conditions, instead of having to undergo several different treatments (e.g., laser skin tightening, laser resurfacing, etc.).

In most cases, IPL treatments are also less expensive (averaging $300-600 per treatment) than most laser treatments ($1300-2100 for laser skin resurfacing treatments) and present a lesser degree of risk for burns or permanent scars.

Do you still have more questions? Contact us, we’d be happy to help!

Top Male Procedures: Laser Hair Removal

Cosmetic enhancement isn’t just for the ladies. These days, more and more men are seeking out cosmetic procedures to enhance their self-esteem and body image. But what procedures are topping the list for male consumers?

According to American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), they’re reaping the benefits of a variety of non-surgical enhancements, especially laser hair removal for men.

laser hair removal for men“Men are great fans of low-maintenance grooming,” says Dr. Vince Bertucci, a Toronto area dermatologist. “The appeal of laser hair removal is that it can free them from shaving or waxing and give them smooth, stubble-free skin. This translates to convenience, comfort, and time saved.”

Laser Hair Removal for Men

Laser hair removal for men can be used to remove unwanted hair virtually anywhere on the body. It’s ideal for men who wish to thin out or completely eliminate hair from their back, chest, stomach, arms, shoulders or genital area.

Many men choose laser hair removal because it one of the few (other than electrolysis) hair removal techniques that can thin out, rather than completely remove unwanted body hair.

During a laser hair removal session, a practitioner uses a handheld device to apply laser energy to unwanted hair. The energy safely passes through the surface layer of the skin, destroying the hair shaft and root.

Treatments generally take about 30 minutes, and up to eight treatments may be needed to achieve optimal results. The final results of your laser hair removal may be more or less permanent. However, many patients do require regular maintenance treatments (about once per year) to achieve long-lasting results.

Are you interested in learning more about laser hair removal for men? Contact us!

Sources: Healthcare Global and WebMD

Popular Methods of Laser Resurfacing

Enhance the texture, tone and quality of your skin with laser resurfacing. Using tiny concentrated beams of light, laser treatments can penetrate through the surface layer of your skin to target unwanted wrinkles, scarring, pigmentation irregularities and more.

If you’re considering laser resurfacing, there are a number of laser treatments available. The best laser for your skin will ultimately depend on the results you desire, and your level of commitment to recovery.

There are two main types of lasers used for skin resurfacing – carbon dioxide (CO2) and Eribium. Each of these lasers will allow your laser specialist to precisely control the depth of skin removal, but differ in the end results they produce.

CO2 Laser Treatments

CO2 LaserCO2 laser resurfacing has a wide range of applications. It has been the method of choice for years and can be used to treat a variety of conditions including:

  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Acne scarring
  • Benign growths (warts)
  • Enlarged oil glands on the nose (rhinophyma)

The latest advancement in CO2 laser use very short pulses of light energy or continuous light beams. The light is often delivered in a scanning pattern to accurately remove surface layers of your skin without causing significant damage to surrounding tissues.

Recovery times vary, but can last for up to three weeks. Following treatment, your skin will appear slightly pink (similar to a mild sunburn) for up to six months.

Erbium Laser Treatments

Erbium laser treatments are less versatile than CO2 lasers. They are designed to target superficial lines and wrinkles on the hands, neck, face and chest.

One of the key advantages of Erbium laser treatments is that it is less invasive – meaning your recovery time should be more rapid. Most patients reach a full recovery within a week. The risk of undesirable side effects is also reduced. If you have darker skin pigmentation, Erbium laser may work better for you.

How to Choose the Right Laser Treatment

The primary consideration for laser resurfacing will always be your general health. The best candidates will possess good overall physical and psychological health. Other factors such as your age, skin type and ethnic background will help your laser specialist determine which laser treatment is right for you.

The best way to learn more about laser treatments is to schedule a consultation in Urbana.

Learn More About the Risks and Benefits of Laser Resurfacing

Laser treatments have made lasting changes to the field of cosmetic enhancement. Laser resurfacing, in particular, is a new approach to facial rejuvenation that can be used to improve the appearance of your skin, and treat minor skin concerns and imperfections.

As with any cosmetic procedure, you should always weigh the laser resurfacing risks andbenefits before undergoing treatment.

laser resurfacing
Laser resurfacing benefits:

  • Fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes, mouth or forehead.
  • Age spots that appear on the face, hands, shoulders and arms.
  • Uneven skin tone and texture.
  • Aged or sun damaged skin.
  • Minor scarring from acne or chickenpox.
  • Birth marks such as linear epidermal nevi.
  • Skin growths such as warts, moles.
  • Enlarged oil glands on the nose.

Laser resurfacing works by removing the outer superficial layer of your skin (epidermis). Deeper layer laser (ablative) resurfacing can also be used to encourage the formation of new collagen fibers beneath the surface of your skin. As your skin heals from treatment, your new skin will appear tighter and smoother.

Laser resurfacing risks:

  • Bacterial, viral or fungal infection can occur after ablative laser resurfacing. The herpes virus – which causes cold sores – is the most common infection.
  • Swelling, itching or irritation is a temporary side effect that may last for several months after treatment. The depth of your laser treatment will dictate the extent of your recovery.
  • Though rare, blistering or permanent scarring is possible after treatment.
  • Acne or milia (tiny white bumps) may develop or worsen as a result of the creams and bandages applied to your skin during recovery.
  • Changes in skin color that can make your skin appear darker (hyperpigmentation) or lighter (hypopigmentation) than normal.
  • Turning of the eyelid, otherwise known ectropion. Though rare, laser resurfacing near the lower eyelid can cause it to turn outwards. An additional procedure can be used to correct this condition.

Laser resurfacing is not for everyone. If you’ve been diagnosed with a serious medical condition such as diabetes, have a history of keloid scarring, have taken acne medication (Amnesteem and others) in the past year, or are currently pregnant or breast feeding, you may not be a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing.

To learn more about laser skin resurfacing risks and benefits in the DC area contact Will Surgical Arts.

Sources: Mayo Clinic and ASPS

Refreshed and Rejuvenated: Laser Treatments for a Glowing Summer

Refreshed and Rejuvenated: Laser Treatments for a Glowing Summer
Are you looking for a way to look better? Surgical procedures often require you to take time off. Nowadays, there are numerous non-invasive and non-surgical options to quickly refresh your look—without the down time and without the hassle. Some of the procedures take less time than your lunch break! Try our MedSpa—at Will Surgical Arts in Maryland, we offer a variety of quick treatments that will leave you looking and feeling refreshed.
Continue reading “Refreshed and Rejuvenated: Laser Treatments for a Glowing Summer” »

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