Laser Treatments

Causes & Treatments for Under Eye Bags, Dark Circles, and Hollows

February 28, 2022 by The LASSI Leave a Comment

We all want our eyes to look bright, awake, and youthful. The problem is, with under-eye bags, hollows, dark circles, and fine lines, we can’t seem to get them to reflect that same enthusiasm we truly feel! Luckily for you though there are non-surgical solutions to restore youthful vibrance to your eyes while reducing the need for concealer application.

Continue reading to learn more about our cosmetic dermatology and aesthetic services that offer amazing, beautiful, youthful results for the under eyes, including:

Botox
laser and light treatments
microneedling
under eye filler

Medical-grade skincare products also produce amazing results, alone and in combination with in-office treatments, depending on your own needs and goals.

First, Let’s Look at the Causes for Your Under Eye Woes

The skin around your eyes is very thin, delicate, and sensitive, and it can be affected by many factors. Common causes for under-eye imperfections include genetics, aging, health conditions, sun exposure, and even lifestyle.

Aging

As we get older, our skin loses suppleness and volume, resulting in sagging, bags, hollows, and fine lines. When we were younger, the body’s cells would replenish the youthful building components rapidly. However, as time passes, the breakdown continues at the same rate while the body takes longer to restore youthful components like collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. Of course, gravity isn’t on your side.

Allergies

Dark circles, lines, and under-eye bags are all common symptoms of allergies. The eyes are particularly vulnerable to allergy symptoms. The delicate under-eye area is irritated by dryness, itching, and swelling, which many allergy sufferers experience when they rub their eyes.

Sun Damage

Another cause is the sun, which makes under-eye bags and fine lines appear worse. Collagen is broken down by UV radiation, therefore avoiding the sun or using sunscreen as much as possible is beneficial to your under-eye area as well as your whole body. Furthermore, if you don’t use UV-protective sunglasses whenever you’re in the sun, squinting and UV penetration can cause wrinkles and other skin damage.

Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation can cause under-eye bags, creases, and dark circles since it prevents your body from generating enough moisture to soften tissue around the eyes.

How to Get Rid of Under-Eye Bags, Hollows, and Fine Lines

Surgery isn’t for everyone. While some people will have better results with a blepharoplasty (eye lift surgery), many will benefit from less invasive, non-surgical procedures with little-to-no downtime. Procedures like the ones listed above, as well as a skincare regimen that includes medical-grade skincare items, may help you seem younger and more refreshed.

BOTOX for Fine Lines

Another alternative for under-eye rejuvenation is Botox. Botox may be used to temporarily relax the line-producing muscles around the eyes. This reduces the appearance of lines and prevents them from getting worse. Botox is fantastic for eye area wrinkles like crow’s feet, frown lines between the brows, and under-eye lines, helping you look more refreshed and youthful.

Laser and Light Treatments

Treatments that stimulate cellular turnover can help reduce imperfections like lines, wrinkles, darkened skin patches, and laxity. Laser resurfacing is often used to improve wrinkles, acne scars, and sun damage. Laser resurfacing can be done with either an ablative or non-ablative laser. Ablative lasers remove the top layer of skin and are more effective at treating wrinkles and acne scars. Non-ablative lasers don’t remove the top layer of skin, but they can still help improve wrinkles, dark circles, and lines. Light treatments like our BBL (broadband light) address pigmentation, redness, and aging.

Microneedling: Collagen Induction Therapy & Skin Resurfacing

Microneedling is one of our most requested skin rejuvenation procedures, and it’s used to improve the appearance of the skin in a variety of ways. This involves puncturing the skin with tiny needles to promote collagen synthesis. This reduces under-eye bags, dark circles, and fine wrinkles.

Under-Eye Filler

With cosmetic fillers, you can reduce under-eye bags and hollows. We use them to plump up sagging skin and smooth out wrinkles, as well as under-eye bags. Dermal fillers are a long-term but temporary solution that restores broken-down hyaluronic acid and encourages natural moisture to the area by drawing natural moisture from within the body. This repairs any volume loss and softens the region for a more youthful, revitalized appearance.

Which Under Eye Treatments Are Right For You?

What treatments we recommend for you depends on a personalized consultation with our dermatology and aesthetics team. We will examine your eye area, collect your medical history, and discuss options suitable for your needs and goals. Your health and safety are our top concerns. Our team will recommend treatments that are both safe and effective for you to ensure the best outcomes.

Medical-Grade Skin Care Products for Under Eye Care

Whether you want to brighten your eyes or reduce lines and puffiness, there are amazing professional skincare products from trusted brands that can provide you with superior results. Depending on your needs, you can use these products alone or with treatments administered here in our Indianapolis dermatology practice. Our dermatology and aesthetic providers can guide you on the best products and how to use them to achieve results.

Why You Should Choose the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana

Our team of dermatology and aesthetic providers, led by board-certified dermatologist Dr. C. William Hanke, offers medical and cosmetic dermatology services plus aesthetic skincare treatments, all designed to help you look good and feel great. Additionally, we are a clinical testing site, conducting critical research into new dermatology treatments. Finally, Dr. Hanke is a leader in dermatology, having held multiple leadership roles in elite dermatology associations and boards, including the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

When you come to the LASSI, you’re trusting your care to a team dedicated to raising the bar on dermatology care for everyone.

Schedule a Consultation with our Indianapolis Dermatology Team

Are you ready to address your under eye woes? Schedule a consultation with our Indianapolis dermatology team at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana. We can’t wait to meet you and help you love your look.

NEW PRO-NOX Pain Management & Anxiety Relief

August 20, 2020 by The LASSI Leave a Comment

We are excited to offer patients another option for procedural comfort and pain management: PRO-NOX.

PRO-NOX is a combination nitrous oxide and oxygen analgesia system, offering rapid onset pain management and anxiety relief. The system provides a fixed 50/50 mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen, self-administered by the patient via inhalation.

Pain Management & Anxiety Relief With PRO-NOX

The PRO-NOX system is safe and effective while empowering the patient to self-administer as needed for pain and anxiety. Through inhalation, relief is immediate. When finished, the effects clear the body in a matter of minutes. In fact, if you’re seeing us for a non-surgical procedure, you will be able to drive yourself to and from your appointment (unless told otherwise).

PRO-NOX is a safe and non-invasive way to feel more comfortable during laser treatments for the skin, hair, and veins; microneedling; cosmetic injectables; skin biopsies; skin cancer removal and more.

As Seen on TV: Live With Kelly & Ryan

How PRO-NOX Works

Nitrous Oxide diminishes pain and pain awareness and relaxes feelings of anxiety by triggering the release of endorphins and dopamine in the brain. It moves quickly from the lungs to the blood, providing rapid relief after just 2-5 inhalations.

Who is a Good Candidate for PRO-NOX Pain Management?

PRO-NOX is safe for most patients who require pain management and/or anxiety relief during their procedures. It can be used in addition to other pain management applications. For patients who cannot use topical or injectable numbing during their procedure, PRO-NOX is another way to ensure comfort.

Some patients, however, should not use PRO-NOX. Contraindications for nitrous-oxide inhalation include pregnancy; hypersensitivity to nitrous oxide; decompression sickness; some ear conditions, like infection or blockages.

PRO-NOX Safety

If you’ve ever received nitrous-oxide during a dental procedure, then you have experienced the safe use of this inhaled analgesic. The difference is that you’re in control, only breathing in the mixture as needed for pain management and anxiety relief. Nitrous-oxide has been used around the world for decades. It is non-addictive and reduces the need for other pain management options, like pills or injections.

Nitrous-oxide is used safely in hospitals, surgery centers, and even during labor & delivery.

What to Expect While Using PRO-NOX

Before we begin, we will provide you with a nose clip. To ensure comfort, we can provide you with gauze between the skin and the clip. This is important to ensure that you’re getting a full dose of N2O when you breathe in.

Next, we will advise you to form a tight seal with your lips around the hose. We will begin by coaching you through a pre-treatment dose. This involves approximately 5-9 deep inhalations, where you will hold your breath for a few seconds and then exhale through the mouthpiece.

Once you feel the effects, we will begin with the procedure, coaching you to stay ahead of the anxiety and pain, inhaling as needed for preventative pain management and anxiety relief.

PRO-NOX FAQ

Are there any side-effects with PRO-NOX?

Some patients report feeling nausea; however, this feeling subsides after taking several deep breaths of fresh air without the PRO-NOX.

Do I need to do anything to prepare before using PRO-NOX?

There is no preparation necessary prior to using this analgesia system.

Can I drive myself to and from my procedure?

After 5-10 minutes of breathing fresh air without any N2O, the effects will subside, allowing you to drive yourself home. Please note that for some of our procedures, we do require that you have a friend or family member bring you in or drive you home. Discuss the requirements for your specific procedure with our providers.

Do I need to breathe in the N2O mixture the entire time for pain management?

No. We recommend inhaling the mixture only as needed for pain and anxiety relief. It’s important to also breathe normally during your procedure.

Discuss Your Options for Procedural Pain Management and Anxiety Relief

At the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana, we want you to know that you have options. Your safety and comfort are top priorities, and we are here to answer any and all questions you have about your treatment and pain management options. Please reach out to our team for more information or to schedule a consultation.

Delay Cosmetic Surgery With These Tips

January 12, 2020 by The LASSI Leave a Comment

It happens to everyone. Aging and genetics affect our appearance in the form of loose, sagging skin, wrinkles and folds, and stubborn fat. While cosmetic surgery was the best option in years past, non-surgical options, which can delay the need for cosmetic surgery, are now numerous, effective, and FDA-approved. These include facial plastic surgery and body contouring alternatives which are non-surgical and safe.

Non-Surgical Alternatives to Cosmetic Surgery in Indianapolis

Whether it’s facial aging or unwanted body fat, the aesthetic professionals at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana (LASSI) can help. Find out if you’re a good candidate for these non-surgical alternatives to facial plastic surgery and body contouring during a personalized consultation with our team.

Facial Cosmetic Surgery Alternatives

We can help restore what time has stolen. If it’s sagging, thinning, or drooping, our minimally-invasive, non-surgical options may be the solution for you. These include injectables, lasers, and photo-rejuvenation treatments.

Non-Surgical Liquid Facelift: Facial Fillers & Wrinkle Relaxers

before and after juvederm facelift results without cosmetic surgery — *individual results will vary

Collagen loss and fat pad breakdowns combine, leading to facial sagging, hollow cheeks, folds, and wrinkles. Even a surgical facelift cannot correct all the signs of aging, as it will not fully restore underlying facial structures. With cosmetic injectables, we can lift the skin, smooth wrinkles and folds, and restore lost facial volume, no cosmetic surgery required.

Fillers used in the cheeks can reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds while lifting the jowls. A little filler in the under eye area can smooth and brighten the eyes. And a little filler in and around the lips can shape and restore lip fullness while reducing the appearance of vertical lip lines. All of these applications work together during our Liquid Facelift treatment to restore facial structure, improve symmetry, and help you look younger.

BOTOX Brow Lift

BOTOX is not just for smoothing lines in the upper face. It’s also useful for a non-surgical brow lift. If your brows are drooping or making you look tired, some BOTOX can gently and subtly lift the brows. It may also delay a surgical brow lift.

Non-Surgical Neck Lift: Wrinkle Relaxers & Dermal Fillers

The face is not the only area which sags. Lines and loose skin on the neck also give away our age. BOTOX can be applied to tighten the neck muscles and skin, and a little hyaluronic acid filler can smooth horizontal neck lines.

Skin Rejuvenation and Tightening: Broadband Light & Microneedling

Injectables are magical, but lasers applied prior to injectables can provide even greater results. Our Broadband Light (Forever Young BBL) treatment can stimulate skin smoothing and tightening, helping you look younger without cosmetic surgery or injectables. Additionally, we offer microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy. This treatment safely creates micro-injuries to the skin, stimulating natural collagen production. This promotes natural skin plumping, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and minor skin drooping.

Jowl and Double Chin Reduction: Kybella & CoolSculpting

Fatty, sagging jowls and double chin fat are hard to correct without surgery, but with Kybella injections or CoolSculpting, we can melt or freeze away these pockets without surgery. In fact, you won’t just delay cosmetic surgery; you’ll avoid it altogether! Once fat cells are destroyed with these treatments, they’re gone for good!

Body Contouring Without Cosmetic Surgery

While we offer tumescent liposuction for body contouring and permanent fat reduction, not everyone is a perfect candidate for surgery. Others wish to avoid cosmetic surgery altogether, opting instead for safe, effective non-surgical fat reduction and cellulite treatments.

CoolSculpting Non-Surgical Fat Reduction

coolsculpting before and after photos — *Individual results will vary

Without cosmetic surgery or injectables, CoolSculpting works to reduce unwanted fat virtually anywhere on the body. CoolSculpting freezes fat to a precise temperature which does not affect surrounding tissue. Frozen fat is permanently and naturally eliminated from the body through the lymphatic system.

Cellulite Reduction with Z-Wave

While surgery can be used to treat cellulite, it’s not necessary to achieve smoother skin. Using Z-Wave cellulite treatment, energy waves break up the causes of cellulite, smoothing skin and reducing dimpling. This is a great treatment to use in combination with CoolSculpting.

Why Choose the LASSI for Alternative Treatments to Cosmetic Surgery in Indianapolis?

Dr. C. William Hanke, board-certified dermatologic surgeon and LASSI medical director is a leader in both surgical and non-surgical aesthetic treatments in Indianapolis. In addition to providing these cutting-edge cosmetic procedures, Dr. Hanke frequently lectures and instructs aesthetic surgeons across the United States and internationally. His peer reviewed research is also published in numerous reputable medical journals. Finally, our practice doubles as a clinical trials facility, leading dermatology research and official trials for BOTOX, Kybella, and other non-surgical procedures. When you come to the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana, you’re trusting your care to experienced leaders in dermatologic surgery.

Book Your Cosmetic Consultation Today

Find out if non-surgical alternatives to cosmetic surgery are right for you during a personalized consultation with our team of cosmetic dermatology experts. We will evaluate your areas of concern, go over your medical history, and determine which treatments are right for you. We look forward to helping you look and feel your very best. Contact us to get started today.

Popular Cosmetic Treatments for the New Year

December 15, 2016 by The LASSI

Ring in the New Year with These Popular Cosmetic Treatments

Our Most Popular Cosmetic Treatments Help You Look Amazing for NYE

Many people wait until a new year arrives to make lifestyle changes, but you don’t have to wait for the holiday to start your resolutions. You still have time to look great before the ball drops with today’s popular cosmetic treatments.

Look Amazing in Your Cocktail Dress: CoolSculpting Non-Surgical Body Contouring

coolsculpting indianapolis — Individual results may vary from person to person.

CoolSculpting is a popular cosmetic treatment that freezes away unwanted fat. While the procedure is not a weight loss solution for obesity, it will tone your physique. To be a good candidate for CoolSculpting, you need to have visible bulges on specific areas of your body – ones you’d like to unload.

Treatment Areas: The FDA has approved CoolSculpting for double chins, abdomens, thighs, and flanks. The treatment option is also effective for the fat bulges along your back and below your buttocks.

Downtime: With CoolSculpting, you’re unlikely to experience downtime. In fact, you can return to work the day of the procedure.

Results: You should start to see changes in your body as quickly as three weeks following your treatment. After about two months, you’ll see the procedure’s most dramatic results. For four to six months after a CoolSculpting procedure, your body will continue to flush out the treated fat cells.

Take a Better Selfie: Kybella and CoolMini Double Chin Reduction

popular cosmetic treatments include double chin reduction — Individual results may vary from person to person.

Kybella and Coolmini are the first and only non-surgical solutions for double chin reduction.

Treatment Areas: Kybella and CoolMini are treatment options for the area below your chin to reduce submental fullness. While Kybella is currently being tested body fat elsewhere on the body, it is only FDA-cleared for double chin reduction. CoolMini is simply a special CoolSculpting applicator specifically suited for the double chin.

Kybella Downtime and Results: With Kybella, you will likely experience bruising, swelling and numbness, so you may need to take some time to heal. Most people see visible results with two to four treatments of Kybella, but you can have as many as six treatment sessions. The results of Kybella are permanent once you reach the look that you desire. It can take up to 12 weeks to see the final results of the treatment.

CoolMini Downtime and Results: Because a CoolMini treatment is nonsurgical, you won’t experience downtime following the procedure. Patients begin to see results in just one to two visits, however, more treatments may be necessary depending on the patient.

Banish Lines and Wrinkles: Botox, Dysport and Xeomin

botox before and after — Individual results may vary from person to person.

If fine lines and wrinkles are making you feel less than celebratory this year, consider popular cosmetic treatments like Botox, Dysport or Xeomin. These products are injectable neuromodulators. They are formulated to modify the nerve impulses of your facial muscles. This decreases the look of wrinkles.

Treatment Areas: Botulinum toxin is FDA-approved for treatment of lines and wrinkles across the forehead, between the eyebrows (called the 11s), and crow’s feet. It’s also FDA-approved for the treatment of hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).

Downtime: You’ll experience minimal downtime with cosmetic wrinkle relaxers. Swelling from injections typically subside within a couple of days.

Results: The results from Botox should be noticeable within 2-3 days, with full results appearing within 2-3 weeks. You will need to follow up on the treatment every four to six months.

Countdown to the New Year’s Kiss: Lip Enhancement with Restylane Silk and Juvederm Volbella

lip enhancement before and after — Individual results may vary from person to person.

Restylane Silk and Juvederm Volbella are hyaluronic acid fillers formulated specifically for lip enhancement. The fillers are thinner than other HA fillers, giving patients a smoother, softer, natural-looking result.

Treatment Areas: Both Restylane Silk and Juvederm Volbella are formulated to treat thin lips, lip asymmetry, and lines around the lips.

Downtime: Patients report experiencing swelling and tenderness at the injection site. Dr. Hanke uses advanced cannula techniques which are painless. Results are usually always excellent. These side effects are mild and typically last for one or two days. We recommend patients avoid makeup for 12 hours following treatment, and sun/saunas for about two weeks.

Results: After the injection, you should see results immediately. According to the manufacturer, 59 percent of those who have the treatment continue to see an improvement after six months with Restylane Silk, and up to a year with Juvederm Volbella.

Laser Skin Treatments

laser skin treatment before and after — Individual results may vary from person to person.

While a laser skin treatment can be used to treat birthmarks and acne, the procedure also evens out skin tone, diminishes the signs of sun damage and reduces wrinkles.

Treatment Areas: Lasers can be used almost anywhere on the body, but patients typically have treatments on the face, neck, and hands.

Downtime: You can expect downtime in the form of pinkness that ranges from one to seven days, depending on the laser.

Results: You may need from one to four sessions to see noticeable results from a laser treatment. It can take up to four months for the procedure’s final results to appear.

Other Popular Cosmetic Treatments to Look Refreshed for the Ball Drop

To look refreshed for this year’s New Year’s Eve party, consider popular cosmetic treatments like chemical peels, facials, and microneedling.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are exactly as the name describes. A chemical formulation is applied to the skin to gently and gradually peel away the top layer of skin, revealing healthier, more youthful skin. Peels are great for patients with acne, blotchy red and brown spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Treatment Areas: Chemical peels are most often applied to the face, neck, decolletage, and backs of the hands.

Downtime and Results: Gentle peels generally don’t require downtime, but you may experience redness or swelling. Chemical peels will cause your skin to actually peel, so give your face enough time to heal if you have an event coming up. A light peel will last for a month or two, while deeper peels affect your appearance for a longer amount of time.

Facials

Facials are relaxing professional treatments that cleanse, moisturize, and massage the face, neck, and decolletage. Each facial uses different products specific for your skin type and anti-aging needs.

Treatment Areas: Facials, as the name suggests, are most often applied to the face. However, the best facials also include the neck and decolletage. Back facials are also available for patients who are prone to breakouts or dry skin.

Downtime and Results: You will not experience downtime from a facial. If you need blemish extractions, then it will take a few days for you to see the full results as your skin will need to heal. Many patients have a facial about once a month.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a non-surgical treatment that stimulates collagen production. Also called Collagen Induction Therapy, a series of treatments will reduce the appearance of scars, lines, wrinkles, and even stretch marks.

Treatment Areas: Collagen induction therapy is mostly applied to the face. However, some patients have benefitted from treatments elsewhere on the body to treat scars and stretch marks, such as the belly and thighs.

Downtime and Results: There’s little downtime with microneedling. You may experience redness for as long as five days. Full results are seen over time after a series of monthly treatments.

Schedule Your Pre-New Year’s Consultation at the LASSI

To enhance your look for the new year, or to get a head start on your new year’s resolutions to look and feel better, schedule a consultation in our Indianapolis dermatology practice. We offer popular cosmetic treatments that range from facials to Botox and fillers. Our wide range of services makes it convenient for you to get the look that you’ve always wanted. Contact us for a consultation today.

Holiday Beauty Tips

November 14, 2016 by The LASSI

Top Holiday Beauty Tips and Treatments

This time of year, the Internet is full of holiday beauty tips and makeup tutorials for a beautiful holiday season. But that’s not what you’re going to find here! Forget about contouring with makeup, because our holiday beauty tips will give you lasting results in anti-aging and skin care that will leave you looking great long after the makeup wears off. Learn about wrinkle relaxing injectables, dermal fillers, and skin care treatments that will have you looking amazing at your next holiday party.

Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin Wrinkle Relaxers

Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin are injectables using the FDA-approved botulinum toxin for cosmetic anti-aging and chronic conditions such as hyperhidrosis and migraines. Before holiday parties, we recommend getting Botox treatments for:

forehead lines
crow’s feet
brow lines
non-surgical brow lift
non-surgical neck lift
hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating)

Cosmetic Dermal Fillers

Facial anti-aging is more than tighter skin and smoothed lines; lost facial volume is responsible for hollow cheeks, thinning lips, and sagging jowls. Fast acting hyaluronic acid fillers restore lost volume, enhance facial features, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and folds. Some of the most popular filler treatments include:

Liquid Facelift: Often used in combination with Botox, a liquid facelift uses fillers to restore lost facial volume, including in the nasolabial folds, marionette lines, cheeks, lips, and even the temples and neck. Results last up to 4 months with Botox and 2 years with fillers. Get your treatments 3-4 weeks prior to a major event. Dr. Hanke utilizes painless cannula techniques for fillers. The results are outstanding and side-effects are infrequent.
Lip Enhancement: Juvederm Volbella and Restylane Silk are specially formulated to provide fuller, more youthful, symmetrical lips with a soft, natural-looking appearance. Results last up to 3-4 months, and we recommend having your treatment 2-3 weeks prior to a big event.
Cheek Augmentation: Some patients have always wanted fuller “apple” cheeks, while others have seen their cheeks “sink” over the years. This is a natural part of the aging process, but thanks to fillers like Juvederm Voluma and Restylane Lyft, you don’t have to live with it. Even better, results can last up to 2 years! Get your cheek fillers at least 2-3 weeks prior to any party or photo shoot.
Under-Eye Rejuvenation: Whether it’s the stress and lack of sleep that comes with the holiday season, or you suffer from allergies, non-surgical under-eye rejuvenation with Restylane can help smooth away dark circles and bags under the eyes. Results last up to 3-4 months. For best results, get your under-eye treatment 3-4 weeks prior to a big event.

Holiday Beauty Tips for Injectable Treatments

If you’re considering Botox or fillers as a pre-holiday cosmetic treatment, follow these tips to recover from your treatments more quickly:

Avoid aspirin and other blood-thinning medications before and after treatment to reduce bleeding and bruising.
Apply ice after treatment to more quickly reduce swelling.
Get your treatment 3-4 weeks prior to your holiday parties and portraits. This provides you with ample time to heal from your treatment and see full results.
Don’t miss your follow-up appointment.
Don’t get injectable treatments for the very first time prior to a major event or photo sitting. If you’ve never had Botox or fillers before, we recommend coming in for your first treatment about 6-7 months prior to ensure your results are as expected.
Don’t drink alcohol for one week before and after your treatment, as alcohol increases bleeding.

Quick-Fix Aesthetic Treatments and Holiday Beauty Tips for Flawless Skin

Need a deep exfoliation or a quick treatment to clear up acne? Looking for holiday beauty tips for better home skin care products? We also provide skin care services in our LASSI Skin aesthetics clinic. Some great treatments to get one week prior to a holiday event include:

Dermaplaning: This deep exfoliating treatment uses a specialized blade in the hands of a licensed aesthetic specialist to “shave” away fine facial hair and dead skin cells, leaving behind a smooth, fresh canvas.
Blemish Injections: Potent cortisone injections are placed directly into blemishes to blast them away quickly and effectively.
Hydrafacial: Also known as hydra-dermabrasion, this deep cleansing facial also delivers potent nutrients to the skin to address common skin concerns.
Chemical Peel: Peel away dead skin and diminish the appearance of fine lines, scars, brown spots, and facial redness.

Get More Holiday Beauty Tips at the LASSI

Are you ready to take advantage of our holiday cosmetic treatments? Are you looking for more holiday beauty tips for a more beautiful and youthful holiday season? Schedule a consultation at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana, your premier dermatology destination in Indianapolis for cosmetic injectables and aesthetic services. Our board-certified dermatologic surgeon Dr. C. William Hanke and our licensed aesthetician Maura Holland are here to help you look more beautiful and youthful for your holiday parties and portraits, and we all look forward to wishing you a very happy holiday season.

Mohs Surgery Recovery

August 25, 2016 by The LASSI

Mohs Surgery Recovery: Minimizing the Appearance of Scars After Surgery

When you are recovering from a skin cancer treatment and have received the relieving news that your cancer is gone, you may focus on the scars commonly visible after surgery. This is particularly true for patients who had cancer removed from the facial area. Fortunately, there are things you can do to reduce the visibility surgical scars. After your Mohs surgery recovery, our skin care team can help you diminish the appearance of scars with different treatments, including our new Microneedling treatment and our tried and true laser skin resurfacing device.

What is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is specifically designed for the treatment of skin cancer. The treatment was developed in the 1930s by Dr. Frederick Mohs, and has become increasingly popular in the past decade. Mohs surgery is the single most effective method for removing the two most common forms of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Mohs surgery has the ability to remove nearly all cancer cells, while maintaining the integrity of the surrounding healthy tissue. Cure rates with this type of surgery are very high, at 98 percent or greater.

Actor Hugh Jackman Talks Skin Cancer and Mohs Surgery

How Does Mohs Surgery Differ From More Traditional Surgical Techniques?

Mohs micrographic surgery differs from traditional excisional surgery because it is performed all at one site. A dermatologic surgeon trained in Mohs micrographic surgery gives you a local anesthetic before removing a thin layer of skin from the affected area. The skin is then examined microscopically by the Mohs surgeon using frozen sections at the on-site lab. If cancer cells still remain, you are called back into the operating room and another thin layer is removed. The process is repeated until the edges of the final tissue sample are cancer-free. At this point, the dermatologist will suture the wound. In some cases, a skin graft may be necessary.

Laser Skin Resurfacing: Laser Away Scars and Regrow Healthy Skin Tissue

Laser skin resurfacing is performed using an ablative laser. Ablative lasers vaporize the skin on the surface of the body and are an effective method for removing the topmost layer, leaving room for healthy new skin to grow. The CO2 laser can be focused to a very thin beam for scalpel-thin cuts. It can also be used in a more diffused mode to vaporize a greater amount of soft tissue. This process is commonly used to treat a wide variety of skin conditions, including acne scars, extensive sun damage and surgical scars.

The process can take anywhere from a couple minutes to an hour depending on the size of the area to be treated. Because of the ablative nature of the procedure, an anesthetic or numbing agent will be required. The laser skin resurfacing technique stimulates the production of new collagen in the skin to complete the healing process. This is useful in Mohs surgery recovery, reducing the appearance of residual surgical scars once the cancer has been completely removed.

Microneedling: How This Celebrity Beauty Craze Helps Mohs Surgery Recovery

microneedling scar treatment before and after — Individual results may vary from person to person.

Microneedling, or collagen induction therapy and percutaneous induction, is a minimally invasive procedure and effective skin rejuvenator that helps stimulate the production of healing collagen. The procedure uses a device containing many fine needles that are applied across the skin to create a controlled micro-injury. This injury triggers the body to produce collagen and elastin. The result of microneedling is improved skin texture and increased firmness. Microneedling is also an effective treatment for scars and stretch marks, and the depth of the treatment can be controlled by your provider to ensure the best results.

Before treatment, you will receive a topical anesthetic cream on your face. You will hardly feel anything when your skin care specialist applies the microneedling device. Multiple treatments are often required to achieve the desired final result. You may also benefit from maintenance treatments every six to 12 months. Because it can be performed on all skin types and colors, microneedling is occasionally preferred over laser treatments that can cause pigmentation issues in some darker skin tones.

Microneedling requires no downtime following the first treatment. Initial redness may occur, but this usually dissipates by the next day. For Mohs surgery recovery scars, however, you should expect to receive more than one treatment. Repeat treatments are spaced four to six weeks apart to give your body a chance to rebuild healthy skin cells.

Start Your Scar Treatments to Help With Mohs Surgery Recovery in Indianapolis

Dr. C.William Hanke is an expert in Mohs surgery, skin cancer treatments and scar revision. As a board-certified dermatologic surgeon and past president of the American College of Mohs Surgery, Dr. Hanke has contributed research and innovation to the field of Mohs micrographic surgery. Furthermore, Dr. Hanke’s skill as a general and cosmetic dermatologist provides patients with advanced skin care through lasers and other technologies to reduce the appearance of scars.

Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Hanke and our team of skin care experts and find out which treatments for scar reduction are right for you.

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