Lip injections are a cosmetic procedure used to increase the fullness of the lips through the use of lip fillers such as hyaluronic acid, collagen, or fat.
While modern medicine provides you with multiple options for giving your lips the desired shape, lip fillers are the most widely used procedure today because of the following benefits.
• A quick procedure
The procedure can often be performed in about 30 minutes, and though you can see some benefits immediately, it may take up to two weeks before the full effect is apparent.
• Painless
The procedure is performed using topical anesthesia, so there should be no pain.
• Fast recovery
Recovery is immediate, allowing you to resume your normal daily activities.
• Results
The results of the procedure can last up to 12 months, and subsequent injections are smaller as the previous one’s help provide a good foundation for the shape of your lips.
• Reversible
While it’s extremely rare, the results of using hyaluronic acid as the lip filler are reversible as it can be dissolved through the use of hyaluronidase.
Lip liposuction
In contrast to enhancing the shape of your lips, you may desire to reduce their size. In that case, lip liposuction can be used. Dr. Cohen will make a small incision in the pink, inner portion of the lip and remove excess fat and tissues, reducing the overall volume of the lips. Stitches used to close the incisions fall off within a few days or weeks.
Laser Skin Rejuvenation
It may sound a little like something out of science fiction, but skin rejuvenation in Chicago can be achieved through the use of lasers to treat common skin conditions. Lasers use thermal energy to gently heat deep layers of the skin and stimulate long-lasting changes. Dr. Cohen offers this procedure to give you clearer, younger-looking skin from the inside out, skin that has the tone, texture, and appearance that you desire.
If we’re honest with ourselves, most of us can name at least one thing we would like to change about our skin, and as technology advances, more and more skin concerns are being addressed with the use of specialized cosmetic lasers.
Among others, skin rejuvenation through the use of lasers can repair sun damage (hyperpigmentation and sun spots), scars caused by acne, chickenpox, or injuries, as well as minor facial flaws such as fine lines around the eyes, mouth, and cheeks.
How does laser skin rejuvenation work?
Lasers have been used for decades to remove or vaporize specific skin lesions, and now, thanks to the development of more advanced lasers, it is possible to use them to perform cosmetic skin resurfacing. Using today’s laser systems it’s possible to remove thin layers of the skin with minimal heat damage and minimal risk of scarring.
There are two main types of laser rejuvenation treatment, ablative and non-ablative lasers.
• Ablative laser therapy
works to remove thin layers of the skin, minimizing signs of skin damage.
• A non-ablative laser
works to stimulate collagen growth and tighten tissues deeper within the skin.
Complete skin resurfacing is performed pulse by pulse to soften wrinkles, scars, and other irregularities. The laser removes thin layers of the skin, smoothing out the skin’s surface. The body’s natural healing mechanisms then stimulate new collagen formation. The new, rejuvenated layer of skin gives you a younger-looking appearance, and skin tightening also occurs, produced by the effects of the laser on collagen fibers.
Initial Consultation
The first step in the process is to contact our office for an initial consultation before scheduling your treatment. Your consultation provides an opportunity for us to examine your skin, discuss your short- and long-term goals, and provide personalized recommendations. For best results, we may suggest other facial treatments to prepare your skin for laser skin rejuvenation, and please understand that those with active acne breakouts may not be a candidate for the laser rejuvenation procedure before getting other treatment.
The Procedure
The procedure takes 30 minutes to an hour to complete. Patients report a range of different sensations during treatment, depending on the specific area(s) being treated, the technique used, and individual pain tolerance.
Anesthesia
Patients typically receive a local anesthetic for their laser skin rejuvenation procedure.
Inpatient or Outpatient?
Skin rejuvenation is an outpatient procedure, and since it is minimally invasive, patients are usually able to return to their normal activities within two weeks with healthy, younger-looking skin. Keep in mind, however, that patient experiences can vary.
Recovery
Once the procedure is complete, it’s important to avoid unprotected sun exposure and strenuous activity for at least 1-2 weeks.
As with a deep peel, the laser removes protective layers of the skin, creating a situation similar to a sunburn which can take up to two weeks to heal. The pinkness of the skin may persist for several weeks following surgery, but this pink color can easily be covered with makeup within several days of the treatment.
Most patients will experience raw-feeling skin, swelling, or itching in the treated area, but that calms down with time. You will need to clean the area carefully with water, saline, or acetic acid and apply a thick, protective coat of ointment to promote fast healing.
Results
The effects of laser resurfacing can last for years, but it is important to understand that improvements in appearance tend to be gradual and progressive rather than immediate and dramatic.
Skin Rejuvenation in Chicago
Are you ready to take your looks to the next level with cosmetic laser treatment? The first step to take is to book a consultation at our office. You deserve the highest caliber of service, care, and results, and that is what we’re committed to providing. Dr. Adam J. Cohen takes great pride in spending the time needed with you to answer all your questions and make recommendations. During your consultation, he can help assess your short- and long-term aesthetic goals to ensure that cosmetic laser skin rejuvenation is the right choice for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
