Dr. Ellis has been performing ophthalmic and facial plastic procedures for over thirty years, including eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) , laser skin resurfacing, Botox for wrinkles, and dermal fillers for scars and wrinkles.
Cosmetic Laser Medical Center offers the new Skin Rejuvenation program that includes Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing, Botox and Fillers.
We can treat Wrinkles, fine lines, uneven pigmentation (sunspots), skin laxity and acne scars.
The Doctor selects the procedure that is right for you depending of your age and skin condition.
A personal interview and clinical examination will be conducted to obtain relevant facts about your medical and dermatologic history, and any medications you are currently taking or have taken in the past. If you are prone to cold sores, you need to ask your doctor for an anti virus prescription before Laser skin resurfacing treatment.
Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing.
What kind of laser are you using?
We use the MiXto SX Micro Fractional C02 laser. This is the latest laser technology used for skin rejuvenation. It is considered the golden standard for skin resurfacing
How is this different than other laser treatments?
You can see better and faster results after just one treatment. Using other lasers you need several treatments to see the same result.
Less discomfort during the treatment.
The recovery time is just 5-7 days.
You do not need general anesthesia.
Is it ablative or non-ablative treatment?
This is an ablative laser treatment
What ablative treatment means?
that means that when the laser beam of light comes in contact with the epidermis it heats and vaporizes the skin tissue, instantly removing the superficial layers of the skin, scars and wrinkles while smoothing out the surface of the skin. The skin remodeling occurs with new skin and collagen growth.
Non ablative treatments ( Intense pulse light IPL, Radio frequency, fraxel, thermage, ) only heat the dermis , stimulates the collagen production but do not treat the superficial layers of the skin. That kind of treatments needs more sessions to see good results.
Does it hurt?
For most patients we apply topical anesthetic and oral Tylenol then they can drive themselves home. The discomfort is similar to bad sunburn.
What are the risks?
Erythema (redness of skin); the laser-treated areas have a distinctive redness representing increased blood flow due to the growth of the superficial tissue and collagen. It will gradually fade during the first few days.
Inflammation (swelling); Treatment with the MiXto System presents a minimal amount of swelling that can last up to 24 hours.
Hyper pigmentation (tanning); This is presented after the third day of the procedure but then begins to shed and reveal younger healthy looking skin. Patients prone to post inflammatory hyper pigmentation need a special treatment before and after the procedure.
What areas can be treated?
Fractional Treatment with the MiXto SX has been proven safe for the face, neck, chest and hands.
How long is recovery?
Most patients are ready to go back to work the next day, but it depends on the patient and their lifestyle. Typical downtime is 4-5 days.
What is the recovery like?
The patient is red and can be swollen the next day. On the second, third and fourth day the patient is peeling and can experience a little itchiness typical to a sunburn.
When do you see the results?
Right away! When we are doing the procedure you can immediately see the skin contract and shrink. The patient will really see the benefits by the time the skin is completely peeled and will continue to see results for up to six months with new collagen regeneration that “plumps” up the skin.
How long the results last?
It depends of your actual skin condition and your age.
Usually you can back the clock of your skin about 5 to 10 years. Remember that the skin continuously ages, so we recommend that you take special anti aging care after the procedure, especially you will need to use sun screen several times a day to prevent photo aging.
Who is the best candidate for this procedure?
There are three separate groups the MiXto applies to, the younger patient with severe acne scars, the middle-aged patient with wrinkles , skin laxity and age spots and the older patient with wrinkles, age spots and pre-cancerous lesions.
How many treatments are needed treatments?
In most cases only one, but for deeper wrinkles and acne scars two or more
Is the treatment expensive?
The new technology has actually brought the price down without the compromising the results. This procedure is less expensive than a cosmetic surgery.
What is the cost?
MiXto treatments are generally under $3000.00 for a one-time full-face treatment.
Botox
Wrinkles may be caused when a muscle tightens. Botox™ is injected through the skin into the muscle.
It keeps the muscle from tightening.
When the muscle can't tighten, the wrinkle doesn't show as much.
Temporarily reduces frown lines, forehead creases and crows feet near the eyes.
Botox is a toxin that blocks the nerve impulses, temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles while giving the skin a smoother, more refreshed appearance.
Only the treated muscle can't move.
Side effects: pain at the injection site, flu-like symptoms, and headache.
You should not use Botox if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
How does BOTOX® Cosmetic work?
It works by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to the injected muscles; this reduces the activity of the muscles that cause those persistent lines to form.
When will I see results from a BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment?
Within days, you may see a marked improvement in the moderate to severe frown lines between your brows. Lines continue to improve for up to a month, and results can last for up to 4 months.
How long does BOTOX® Cosmetic last?
Results from treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic can last for up to 4 months.
Who should administer BOTOX® Cosmetic?
Any authorized healthcare professional can administer BOTOX® Cosmetic.
Is treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic painful?
Discomfort is usually minimal and brief. Prior to injecting, your physician may choose to numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream. The entire procedure takes approximately 10 minutes. Many people are in and out of the physician’s office without downtime following BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment.
Who should not use BOTOX® Cosmetic?
BOTOX® Cosmetic should not be used in the presence of infection at the proposed injection site(s) and in individuals with known hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the formulation. Patients with neuromuscular disorders such as ALS, myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be at increased risk of serious side effects.
Will I experience any side effects?
The most common side effects following injection include temporary eyelid droop and nausea. Localized pain, infection, inflammation, tenderness, swelling, redness, and/or bleeding/bruising may be associated with the injection. Patients with certain neuromuscular disorders such as ALS, myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be at increased risk of serious side effects.
Will my facial expressions continue to look natural?
Although the results are visible, a treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic will not radically change your facial appearance or make you look as if you "had work done." The muscle activity that causes frown lines between the brows is simply reduced, so you can still frown or look surprised without the wrinkles and creases between your brows.
What will happen to the frown lines between my brows if I choose not to continue treatments?
If you do not continue treatments, the moderate to severe frown lines between your brows will gradually look like they did before treatment.
DERMAL FILLERS
Frequently Asked Questions below are answers to some of the questions we're asked most often about dermal fillers.
What dermal fillers are you using? We use Radiesse, Juvederm and Restilene.
These dermal fillers are setting a new standard for facial contouring and augmentation.
The dermal filler immediately adds volume to safely contour, correct, and beautify facial features. And it continues to work over time. It has patented microsphere technology and stimulates the body to produce new collagen for a soft, natural look that lasts.
How does dermal fillers work?
RADIESSE dermal filler is made of unique, patented, calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a water-based gel carrier. When injected into the skin, these microspheres initially perform as a filler - they immediately provide facial volume for a soft, natural look. The transformation is noticeable right away. Over time, your body will gradually absorb the gel carrier, but the very tiny, smooth microspheres remain.
Once injected, RADIESSE dermal filler starts a process called neo-collagenesis, or the creation of new collagen. It stimulates collagen production in your own body and encourages collagen growth around the injection site. In many cases, results may last up to a year or more.
JUVEDERM is a smooth consistency gel made of hyaluronic acid- a naturally occurring substance in your skin that helps to add volume and hydration to the skin .
Are dermal fillers safe?
In years of rigorous clinical testing and use by physicians in hundreds of thousands of patients worldwide, dermal fillers has been proven to be safe and effective.
These products are biocompatible substances that are identical to what’s naturally found in the body. They do not contain any animal- or human-derived components and it has a minimal risk of allergic reaction.
After injection, the filler will not migrate to other parts of the body. Over time, it degrades naturally and is safely metabolized by the body’s own processes.
Those fillers have been reviewed by a Notified Body?
Yes. All products that Cosmetic Laser Medical Center uses have received US FDA approvals.
How is treatment with dermal filler performed?
The dermal filler is injected into the skin through a simple, safe, quick, and minimally invasive outpatient procedure. Treatment typically takes place in a physician’s office with the use of a local anesthetic.
Will I need a skin test?
Dermal fillers are made of a synthetic, biocompatible substance that's identical to what's naturally found in the body. They don’t contain any animal- or human-derived components, there’s virtually no risk of an allergic reaction. That means you do not need to undergo skin allergy testing prior to treatment. However, if you believe you are having an allergic reaction to any dermal filler, seek medical attention immediately.
Does it hurt?
Physicians use a variety of pain management techniques during treatment to ensure patient comfort. Please talk to your physician about which techniques are right for you.
Are there any side effects?
There have been very few side effects reported in clinical trials and actual usage. However, you may experience some common injection-related reactions, such as mild irritation, edema, swelling, itching, discoloration, or tenderness at the injection site. These conditions typically resolve themselves within one to two days.
What if I'm taking medication?
Patients may need to refrain from taking some medications and supplements for a few days prior to treatment. If you’re taking medications or supplements, please tell your physician before receiving treatment.
How soon can I expect results?
You'll see results immediately after treatment. The filler continues to deliver results over time as it stimulates your body to produce new collagen. Results may last up to a year or more in many patients. It depends of the natural and individual response.
How quickly can I return to my normal activities?
Most patients experience little to no downtime and return to normal activities almost immediately after treatment. Other patients may need more time for recovery. By 24 hours after treatment, most swelling and redness will have subsided.
How long will my results last?
Treatment results last up to a year or more for many patients. Individual results may vary, depending on age, skin type, lifestyle, and metabolic rate, so be sure to discuss your expectations with your doctor.
Will the dermal filler become hard or noticeable to the touch?
No. The dermal filler stays soft and will take on the characteristics of the surrounding tissue.
Is the dermal filler permanent?
No. Treatment results last a long time, but they are not permanent.
How many treatments will I need?
Many patients will achieve their desired result after just one treatment. To ensure your satisfaction, your physician may schedule a follow-up visit, where a touchup treatment might be recommended.
How much does the dermal filler cost?
Because treatment is customized for each patient, the cost varies.
