Cosmetic Procedures
Why I Do Cosmetics
Patients often ask why I do cosmetic dermatology in addition to my general dermatology and surgical practice. My answer is simple: I enjoy helping people feel good about themselves. When used correctly, products such as fillers and Botox can enhance intrinsic beauty and create a more youthful look. I continue to refine my use of these products through advanced training courses so that I can accentuate each person's beauty while still looking natural. I want their friends and neighbors to think, “Wow, she looks great but I can’t tell what’s different. Why does she look so youthful?” These are the best compliments my patients can receive.
When you come for an appointment I will ask what is important to you. What would you like to enhance or diminish? I will give you a realistic opinion of what can be done and what to expect. Then we work together to form a treatment plan. Part of the initial plan is to review cost. With more products in the marketplace, the cost of many treatments is very affordable. The old belief that these treatments are for the rich and famous has never been so untrue. Most of my patients are people just like you who want to freshen their look. I am one of those people too. I use these products myself. I am confident about their safety and love the outcome. Once a treatment is performed, I ask you to return in two weeks for another evaluation. I offer this to every cosmetic patient. We review your results to ensure both you and I are satisfied.
We have a limited number of free cosmetic consultation appointments available each month. So why not call today to find out how we can help you enhance your appearance? Please call us at 404 835-3052. You can also e-mail us at email@babcockdermatology.com to put your name on our mailing list for cosmetic specials and discounts.
BOTOX® Cosmetic
Wrinkling makes a person appear older. Our everyday expressions lead to wrinkling. This wrinkling can not only age us but make us look tired or mad even when we are not. BOTOX® Cosmetic relaxes the muscles that cause this wrinkling making your skin appear younger and smoother. BOTOX® Cosmetic can work on frown lines, crows feet, forehead lines, lines around the mouth and neck lines.
BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected into the facial muscles that lead to wrinkling. It decreases the electrical activity between the nerve endings and the muscle causing the muscle to relax. This treats the current wrinkle and prevents new wrinkles from forming. The procedure is simple and safe and has been preformed for more than a decade. After a treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic you can go back to normal activity. We welcome your questions about BOTOX® Cosmetic. Please call (404) 835-3052 for an appointment.
Learn more at www.botoxcosmetic.com
Dysport
Dysport is botulinum toxin, type A, just like BOTOX. It works to soften lines and wrinkles in the same way BOTOX does. It lasts as long as BOTOX needing touch-ups every 3-4 months. In my hands I feel it has some advantages. It spreads more than BOTOX therefore treating more wrinkles in one area. I particularly like this product for treatment of the crow's feet and the glabella (the lines between the eyebrows or the "11's"). Another clear advantage is lower cost. In an effort to compete with BOTOX, the price of Dysport is lower and that savings is passed on to the patient in my practice. I have been using this product since January 2010 and it has become the most requested cosmetic treatment in my office. I have used Dysport in several areas of my own face as well as hundreds of patients and I am thrilled with the results. Please call (404) 835-3052 to learn how Dysport can make you look your best!
"Photographic evidence also pointed to a striking difference between the treated sides of each patient's face," the authors wrote.
On the day-30 assessment, each patient was asked which side of the face had a better result. The authors found "patients unequivocally preferred the Dysport-treated side," 67% versus 33% for the Botox-treated side (P=0.002).
Read the article
Dysport or BOTOX™ for excessive sweating
Dysport or BOTOX™ can be used for excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) under the arms or hands. Imagine no more embarrassing sweat rings under the arms, no more ruining expensive shirts & dresses. And if you have a problem with sweaty palms, imagine the freedom of shaking someone's hand without having to wipe it on your pants first. Dysport or BOTOX™ can be life altering for patients with excessive sweating. The cost starts at $800 for both underarms or one hand and the effect lasts about 10 months. We can talk to you further about the use of Dysport or BOTOX™ for hyperhidrosis. Please call (404) 835-3052 for an appointment. We do not accept insurance assignment for hyperhidrosis treatments.
Restylane®
Restylane is a synthetic gel that is used to fill wrinkles and hollow areas on your face. It is hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in our bodies that can add volume and hydration. Restylane can make you look younger in many ways. It can be used to fill the nasal labial fold (the crease from the nose to the lips), to fill lips, to fill the hollows under your eyes, to the chin, to the nasal bridge and along the cheek bone to give more facial definition. Unlike collagen, Restylane is not derived from animal product so the chance of allergic reaction is minimal. No testing is required. People allergic to collagen can have Restylane injected.
During the procedure we use topical numbing medication and occasionally local numbing to make the procedure more comfortable. Dr. Babcock then injects the medication into the wrinkle or depression. The results of beautiful skin are seen immediately. Restylane attracts water so the full result is not seen for 2-3 days. The product is slowly absorbed by your body so most patients repeat the treatment every 6-8 months. Some people experience brusing for 3-4 days after the procedure. You can greatly reduce your risk of bruising by stopping asprin, ibuprofen, Aleve and vitamins approximately two weeks prior to your appointment. Dr. Babcock can talk to you further about the use of Restylane in your rejuvenation plan. Please call (404) 835-3052 for an appointment.
$520First syringe
$450Additional syringe
Learn more at www.restylane.com
Perlane®
Is made by the same company as Restylane. It is a hyaluronic acid like Restylane but thicker. It is used for deeper wrinkles and filling cheeks.
Juvéderm™
Juvéderm™ is another synthetic gel made from non-animal derived hyaluronic acid. It is manufactured by the same company as BOTOX® Cosmetic. It works in the same manner as Restylane. Juvéderm™ can fill lips, nasal labial folds, treat acne scars and fill hollows. It and the other hyaluronic filers are the fastest growing non-surgical aesthetic procedures in the United States. Dr. Babcock can talk to you further about the use of Juvéderm™ in your rejuvenation plan. Please call (404) 835-3052 for an appointment.
Learn more at www.juvedermusa.com
Cosmetic Mole Removal
Many patients are bothered by unsightly moles, skin tags and other growths that are considered cosmetic by insurance companies. Dr. Babcock specializes in removing these growths with minimal to no scarring. Depending on the size of the growth, most can be removed quickly and safely in the office with little down time. Patients return to work and normal activities with a small band-aid. If you have always wanted a particular spot removed, Dr. Babcock will be happy to talk to you about it and remove it the same day. Please call (404) 835-3052 for an appointment.
Chemical Peels
Women have used chemical peeling for centuries to make their skin look better. Some ancient writings discuss how Cleopatra used lactic acid on her face to improve her appearance. Dr. Babcock uses chemical peels to rejuvenate the skin and make you look and feel younger. Chemical peeling reduces the signs of aging such as fine and heavy wrinkling, premalignant keratosis, leathery skin, pigmentation and scaling. Different strengths of chemical peels produce different results. Dr. Babcock can evaluate your skin to determine which rejuvenation peel is best for you.
BETA LIFT™ Rejuvenation Peels
The Beta Lift™ chemical peel is a light peel perfect for the person who wants fresher, younger looking skin without the downtime. This peel deeply exfoliates dead and dull cells from the skin's surface. Regeneration of new cells is stimulated giving your skin a natural glow. The Beta Lift™ penetrates into the pores decreasing white heads, black heads and pigmentation. Fine lines also can be improved with maintenance peels. The procedure can be done in the office in less than thirty minutes. After the peel your skin may have a slight pink appearance for a few hours. In about 3 days your skin will peel mildly which can continue for 3-5 days. This peel is best suited for the busy person who wants quick results. Most patients repeat the Beta Lift™ chemical peel biweekly or monthly. Sunscreen is a must after this treatment. Dr. Babcock is happy to discuss the Beta Lift™ chemical peel with you in more depth. Please call (404) 835-3052 for an appointment.
Medium Chemical Peel Rejuvenation
Medium depth chemical peels are used to dramatically reduce the signs of aging in your skin. Jessner's solution and TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid) are used alone or in combination to achieve these results. These peels work to remove age spots, wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, acne, mild acne scarring, pre-cancerous lesions and leathery skin leaving you with new revitalized skin. Dr. Babcock applies the solution in the office and you leave with mild to moderate redness. With the TCA peel and occasionally with the Jessner's peel your skin will turn a darker color and appear sun-burned for 3-5 days. Afterwards the skin may develop crusts and start to peel for 3-4 days further. Special care needs to taken during this time period, and it is recommended that you do not return work or outside activities for about 1 week after the chemical peel (shorter for the Jessner's peel). Strict sun avoidance is mandatory the first two weeks after the TCA or Jessner's chemical peel. Habitual use of sunscreen is necessary in the first six months after these peels. Dr. Babcock is happy to discuss the TCA or Jessner's chemical peel with you in more depth. Please call (404) 835-3052 for an appointment.
What you need to know before a cosmetic treatment
The majority of the procedures listed above have little to no "downtime" or recovery time. The most common complication is bruising. This can be greatly diminished by stopping vitamins, medications and herbal remedies that increase bruising. The most common agents that lead to bruising are: Echinacea, Vitamin E, Fish oil, aspirin (Bayer, Bufferin, Ecotrin, baby aspirin), NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). For best results these medications should be stopped two weeks prior to your treatment.
To decrease bruising consider taking an herbal product called Arnica (Arnica montana). This can be purchased in natural food stores like Whole Foods. It comes in a tablet form that dissolves under the tongue and a cream or gel form for applying topically. For best results take one tablet for 3 days prior to your procedure and also use the topical cream or gel on the day of your procedure.