Palm Beach area patients interested in laser resurfacing, laser hair removal, microdermabrasion, and Thermage® treatments should contact Dr. Thomas Tzikas for a consultation.
Thomas L. Tzikas, M.D., P.A.
190 Congress Park Dr.
Suite 160
Delray Beach, Florida 33445
561.330.9500
Non Surgical Skin Treatments for the Palm Beach Area -Microdermabrasion, Thermage®, Laser Hair Removal, and More
Facial plastic surgeon Thomas L. Tzikas, M.D., P.A., offers patients in the Palm Beach area laser hair removal, laser skin resurfacing, Thermage® treatments, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, skin regeneration, and other non-surgical cosmetic surgery treatments.
Laser Hair Removal
Dr. Tzikas is happy to offer patients in the Palm Beach area laser hair removal. Recent advances in laser technology have allowed for lasers to remove unwanted hair faster and more comfortably than electrolysis. Hair can be removed from practically any area you desire, including the face, legs, back, arms, and even underarms. The only areas untreatable by laser hair removal are those adjacent to the eyes.
Fair skinned patients with dark hair are the ideal laser hair removal candidates, although patients with darker complexions can be treated after a successful test patch. Blonde hair does not respond to laser treatment. If you have a tan, wait until your tan subsides before receiving treatment. Results vary even with the best lasers available.
Laser Hair Removal Procedure
Palm Beach patients can expect the laser hair removal procedure to last from a few minutes to more than one hour depending on how large the treated area is. To begin, a gel will be applied and the hair will be treated with a beam of concentrated laser light. This light selectively absorbs the melanin in the hair shaft as well as the surrounding hair follicles. Laser hair removal procedures can treat hundreds of follicles at a time, unlike electrolysis which kills one hair follicle at a time.
Lasers tend to treat hair follicles that are in an active growth phase; therefore more than one laser hair removal treatment is generally required to disable hair follicles that are still growing. For best results, four to six laser hair removal treatments are performed approximately four to six weeks apart. A schedule will be discussed and planned before treatment so that you can achieve your desired results.
After Laser Hair Removal
After the laser hair removal procedure, the treated area may look and feel slightly sun burnt. Blisters and burns are extremely rare but do occur, particularly to patients with dark skin. Be sure to avoid sun exposure during your treatment schedule. Wash the treated areas twice a day with cold water and mild soap. Repeat the process for three to five days or until healing is complete. Although some hair may still be present, do not shave. You will notice less and less hair over the course of your laser hair removal treatments.
If you live in the Palm Beach area and are considering laser hair removal, contact Delray Beach plastic surgeon Thomas Tzikas today.
Laser Resurfacing
Advancements in technology make it possible for Palm Beach patients to get laser skin resurfacing from cosmetic surgeon Thomas L. Tzikas, M.D., P.A. Specialized lasers can now be used to remove the outer, more damaged, and irregular layers of the facial skin, allowing smoother, more regular layers to form as the healing occurs. Areas of particular interest to patients include the "crow's feet" at the corner of the eyes and wrinkles that form around the mouth.
Laser resurfacing is an exciting technique that can result in dramatic improvement of facial wrinkling and even help some forms of acne scarring and discolorations in the skin.
Laser Resurfacing Treatment
Most of our Palm Beach laser resurfacing patients are pretreated with retin-A or glycolic acid skin care products as well as a bleaching cream to prevent pigmentation problems during the healing phase.
The facial laser skin resurfacing procedure takes approximately one hour and is performed with heavy sedation. An ointment is applied to the face at the conclusion of the laser resurfacing procedure which needs to be re-applied during the healing period. It is important to keep the face clean and lubricated during the first week. A laser balm available in our office coats, protects, and boosts the skin's ability to retain moisture. Low level laser light treatment is used post-operatively. This new technology significantly accelerates healing of the skin and reduces the redness.
New smoother skin is seen after one week of the facial laser skin resurfacing, at which time make-up with sunblock is applied. The skin is slightly red at the beginning and fades to pinkness and finally to a normal skin color. The skin will be more sensitive to the effects of the sun and avoidance of the sun as well as use of a sunblock is recommended for several months after the procedure.
If you live in or plan to visit the Palm Beach region and are considering laser resurfacing, contact the office of Dr. Thomas L. Tzikas today for a consultation.
Microdermabrasion
Rough skin texture, age spots, fine wrinkles, and uneven pigmentation no longer have to be a problem for patients in the Palm Beach area with the microdermabrasion treatments offered by Dr. Tzikas. In fact, by removing the outer layers of the skin and allowing new skin to emerge, microdermabrasion can also remove or improve the appearance of whiteheads, blackheads, some stretch marks, and minimal scarring. The procedure can even stimulate new skin cell growth.
Microdermabrasion Procedure
The microdermabrasion procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes. The non-invasive procedure also allows patients to return to normal activities (including wearing makeup) immediately. The quick and simple nature of microdermabrasion earned it the nickname of a "lunchtime peel" since patients can get the treatment during their lunch break.
Despite its nickname, microdermabrasion is not a chemical peel. Instead of applying a chemical solution to the skin, Dr. Tzikas uses a refined, handheld device to almost polish the skin of Palm Beach microdermabrasion patients. The device sprays the skin with tiny crystals and then suctions the crystals and loosened skin back into the machine. This process removes the damaged skin.
Microdermabrasion can be used in conjunction with laser skin resurfacing for optimum results. Although the treatment can create a rejuvenated feel to the skin, it cannot improve loose or deeply wrinkled skin. Patients with these issues should consider discussing lipografting, facelifts, or other cosmetic surgery procedures with Dr. Tzikas.
Are you interested in a "lunchtime peel" and live in the Palm Beach area? Then schedule a microdermabrasion treatment with facial plastic surgeon Thomas L. Tzikas today!
Thermage®
Dr. Tzikas offers Palm Beach patients the Thermage® procedure as a non-surgical alternative to facelift surgery. This treatment is used to achieve tighter skin and reduce the signs of facial aging through radio frequency energy. Thermage®, also known as ThermaLift™ or ThermaCool™, has been featured on Oprah, Good Morning America, CNN, and in Vogue and Allure magazines.
Thermage® Procedure
The Thermage® procedure delivers radio frequency energy into the skin, uniformly heating the dermis while cooling and protecting the epidermis. The deep, sustained, uniform heat in the deeper tissue underneath the skin's surface produces contraction and tightening of the skin. It is designed to cause immediate tightening of collagen fibers which leads to increased production of collagen over time. The tightening of the tissue will smooth out wrinkles and loose skin and produces skin with a more youthful appearance.
There is an immediate cool sensation each time the energy is delivered into the skin, followed by a brief hot sensation, and ending with another cool sensation. An anesthetic cream applied half an hour before the procedure numbs the surface of the skin to help make the Thermage® treatment more comfortable. We also administer light sedation prior to the procedure to reduce discomfort. One of the greatest benefits of the Thermage® procedure is that it requires no surgical incisions, recovery time, or surgical complications.
The length of the Thermage® procedure varies, depending on the size of the area treated. The treatment will usually last 45 minutes to one and a half hours. You may return to normal activities immediately, as there is usually no "downtime". Minimal redness is normal, but it usually disappears shortly after the Thermage® treatment.
Achieving Results with Thermage® Treatments
Some Palm Beach Thermage® patients see the results soon after the treatment, although in most patients they will appear gradually over two to six months. For many patients, one treatment will be enough. It is also possible that an additional treatment may be needed to achieve the desired end result.
To learn more about the Thermage® treatment or to schedule an appointment with a board certified facial plastic surgeon, contact the Delray Beach office Dr. Thomas L. Tzikas today!
Accent™ Skin Tightening
Accent by Alma Lasers, Inc. is the newest treatment to achieve tighter, firmer and more youthful skin on the face or body. Accent is an FDA approved procedure which uses RF (Radio Frequency) energy to heat the dermis. This targeted energy helps to disrupt the cellular environment thus stimulating the production of new collagen. New collagen is what gives your skin the smooth texture, elastic quality and the radiance of youth.
Common areas we treat with Accent are facial laxity, loose neck skin, upper arms, abdomen areas, thighs and the buttocks.
The Accent procedure is virtually pain free with the sensation of getting a warm massage. Depending on the size of area to be treated, most sessions take 30 to 45 minutes and multiple sessions are spaced 2 weeks apart are generally required to achieve the tightening effect most people desire.
Call today to see if Accent is the answer for your skin tightening needs.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peeling is a method that has been used for thousands of years to minimize the effects of aging by improving lines and wrinkles over the forehead, around the eyelids and cheeks, and around the mouth. It can be performed as an isolated procedure or in conjunction with other facial plastic surgery procures including laser skin resurfacing or a facelift. The procedure can be used to improve a variety of skin conditions including wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, shallow acne scars, sun-damaged skin, age spots, and freckling. A chemical peel uses a solution applied to the skin to remove dead skin cells and stimulate the production of new skin cells. It tightens the skin, reduces wrinkling and restores a more youthful appearance.
Unlike laser peels, chemical peels can be performed on the face, neck, chest, hands, and even the arms and legs. Several chemical solutions exist that can peel away skin from the superficial, medium, or deep layers. The solution is applied to the skin and a burning sensation similar to sunburn is usually noted by patients after the procedure. For deeper peels, some patients require anesthesia. Light peels result in some redness to the skin followed by scaling that lasts about four days while medium to deep peels can result in swelling and blisters that break open forming a crust. Frequent cleaning and an application of an ointment will help moisten the face and facilitate the healing process. The peeling of skin is usually complete by seven to 10 days. The skin will have the color of a severe sunburn that will gradually fade to light pink over the next several weeks. This can be camouflaged quite well with make-up.
If you want to learn more about chemical peels, wish to schedule an appointment, or are interested to possible alternatives to peels including laser skin resurfacing and microdermabrasion, contact Dr. Tzikas today!
Mesotherapy
Mesotherapy is a new aesthetic treatment for fat reduction as well as reducing cellulite. This non-surgical procedure requires no downtime and treatment sessions generally take about 30 minutes to complete.
During the treatments, medications consisting of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and hyaluronic acid are injected into the middle layer of skin known as the mesoderm. These medications promote the production of collagen and elastin, which will result in the improvement of the skin's appearance by reducing the proliferation of wrinkles. The microinjections are relatively painless so only topical anesthesia is required. The only side effect you may experience is slight bruising at the injection site.
The circumstances and condition of the area to be treated will determine the number of treatments required to achieve your desired results. For example, the reduction of cellulite requires more treatments than fat reduction due to the subsequent regenerative process. During your consultation, the number and frequency of treatments will be discussed.
Longevity of the results will be determined by your lifestyle. As with invasive procedures such as liposuction, good dietary habits and exercise are necessary to keep the fat from returning. Mesotherapy is a natural process which works with your body's physiology. Dr. Tzikas may recommend a change in your lifestyle to maximize the overall duration.
Photorejuvenation
Photorejuvenation is a series of intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments that improves the appearance of Rosacea, flushing, sun damaged skin, age spots, acne, skin texture, and photo aging. The treatment also improves mild acne scars, reduces large pores, corrects dark circles around the eyes and reduces fine lines. Similar to microdermabrasion, the treatment involves little to no downtime so you can resume normal activities immediately.
The photorejuvenation treatment is similar for most skin problems. This FDA approved technology delivers pulses of broad-spectrum light energy through a computer controlled hand piece. To begin, a cooling gel or numbing cream may be applied to the area to receive treatment. With each flash of light, colored pigments are broken up to be small enough so they may be absorbed by your body, thereby disappearing. New collagen is also produced. After the procedure, an antibiotic ointment or sunscreen may be applied to the treated areas. Several sessions over a period of weeks may be required to reach your desired results. Your physician or technician will develop a treatment plan for you to achieve your aesthetic goals. Optimal results can be achieved in usually three to five treatments spaced as frequently as three weeks apart. Each treatment may vary from 15 to 45 minutes.
As a more aggressive procedure, the photorejuvenation can be used in combination with aminolevulinic acid to treat precancerous spots called Actinic Keratoses.
To learn more about photorejuvenation, contact the Delray Beach office of plastic surgeon Thomas L. Tzikas, M.D., P.A. today.
Harmony AFT Pulsed Light Treatment
Cosmetic flaws in skin pigment may be caused by heredity, reaction to medication, sun damage, pregnancy or other such factors. Harmony AFT (Advanced Fluorescent Technology) by Alma Lasers, Inc. is used in the treatment of pigmented and vascular lesions on the face, neck chest, arms and hands.
AFT's selective pulsed light energy is precisely absorbed by the targeted problem areas without damaging healthy skin. For vascular lesions, heat energy closes off surface blood vessels which in time get absorbed by the body. Pigmented lesions incur heating of the melanin causing them to fragment. The resulting transformation leaves a more even skin tone with a long term result if proper skin care is utilized post procedure.
Several treatments are usually needed for best results. Most treatments take up to 30 minutes and discomfort is minimal. Patients usually describe the feeling as that of a rubber band snapping on the skin. While not usually needed, topical anesthetics can be used on sensitive areas.
To find out if Harmony AFT is right for you, please call to make an appointment for consultation today.
Portrait® PSR Skin Regeneration
Portrait® skin regeneration is unlike any other treatment available today. It is the first and only technology proven to deliver true skin regeneration.
While some treatments offered at our Palm Beach area office like laser skin resurfacing, microdermabrasion, and Thermage® lead to improved skin at the surface, clinically proven Portrait® alters structures below the surface creating unique conditions for continuing regeneration and improvements in wrinkles, tone, texture and discoloration. Results are immediate and long-lasting.
Portrait® Skin Regeneration Procedure
Portrait® skin regeneration begins with a simple procedure that takes less than 30 minutes for a full face. Right away, you'll see new, healthy collagen and a more vibrant, youthful appearance.
At lower levels of treatment there will be some mild redness and flaking of the skin. At higher levels the outer layer of skin browns and is shed three to five days after treatment. Once this occurs, the redness of the regenerated skin will last for two to three days. Shedding may take a little longer at the edges of the treated area. Localized redness may also linger slightly in some patients. On darker skin, the localized redness may appear as a darker spot that lightens with time.
You will see continuing improvement that's truly remarkable. Working below the surface of the skin, Portrait creates the right conditions and natural growth factors for generating new skin and continuous improvement in wrinkles, tone and texture. Clinical studies show improvements for as long as a year after treatment.
Portrait® is safe and effective. It gives you the results you want without the lengthy downtime or the risks associated with other treatments. To learn more about this revolutionary procedure, contact Dr. Thomas L. Tzikas today.
Sclerotherapy (Spider Vein Treatment)
If you're tired of hiding your legs because of unsightly spider veins, Sclerotherapy may be just what the doctor ordered. Through a series of minor treatments, spider veins and some varicose veins can disappear. Sclerotherapy was developed in the 1920s and is the gold standard treatment for reducing spider veins.
Spider Vein Treatment
The process of sclerotherapy is simple. Lasting only about 15 to 45 minutes, sclerotherapy is the quickest procedure to treat spider veins. First, you will be asked to lie down on an examination table. The area to be treated may be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. Next, the physician or nurse injects a sclerosing solution into the affected veins causing them to shrink and gradually fade away. You can expect multiple injections with a very fine needle each session. The needle is so thin that pain is usually minimal. Once the procedure is completed, a cotton ball or compression stockings are applied to the area if necessary. Treatment sessions may vary from weekly to monthly.
You may return to work immediately but be sure to avoid standing still for a long period of time and try to keep your feet elevated while sitting. It is beneficial to take a brisk walk of 20 minutes at least twice a day for the first week after treatment. Walking can help speed the healing process. Wait one week for aggressive exercise.
It generally takes six to eight weeks for the vessels to fade and you can expect approximately an 80 percent improvement. Vein disease is a progressive condition that may require maintenance treatments to achieve your desired results.
For more information regarding the non-surgical cosmetic surgery procedures offered by Dr. Tzikas to patients in the Palm Beach area, including Thermage® treatments, microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing, and hair removal, contact our Delray Beach plastic surgery office today!