C. William Hanke, MD—Botox & Other Cosmetic Procedures

COLLAGEN (for aging skin, facial lines, and scars)
Description | FAQs | Photo Gallery

DESCRIPTION: Facial wrinkles and creases appear as the collagen in our skin begins to break down. Collagen replacement therapy is a safe, non-surgical approach that replenishes the skin's natural collagen.

It also diminishes the facial lines on the skin's surface caused by aging and scars. Following treatment, the natural appearance of the skin is restored. Two different collagen treatments are available.

COSMODERM/COSMOPLAST
Description | Treatment Time & Results | FAQs | Photo Gallery

DESCRIPTION: CosmoDerm/CosmoPlast is a new, human-based collagen that received FDA approval in early 2003. CosmoDerm/CosmoPlast can be used to treat age-related wrinkle lines involving the nasolabial folds (i.e., creases that extend from the nose to the corners of the mouth), wrinkles on the upper and lower lips that may cause 'bleeding' of lipstick, and frown lines between the eyebrows and scars.

CosmoDerm/CosmoPlast is bio-engineered collagen produced in tissue cultures under controlled laboratory conditions. Skin testing is not required, so patients can be treated on the first visit. Results are immediate.

TREATMENT TIME & RESULTS: Typically, two to three CosmoDerm/CosmoPlast treatments are required during a three-month period to correct wrinkles and scars. Repeat treatments may also be necessary once or twice a year to maintain the skin's elasticity.

ACNE SCAR REMOVAL
Description | FAQs | Photo Gallery

DESCRIPTION: Acne is an inflammatory condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead cells produced by the sebaceous glands. With severe inflammation, the collagen surrounding the hair follicle is damaged. Acne scars appear as depressed or elevated areas of skin at the site of the inflammation.

Acne scars come in many varieties. Some are linear, depressed, elevated, fibrotic or "ice-pick." It is important to find the most effective treatment for each type of scar. Patients with acne scars experience anxiety about their appearance that may cause problems in personal and professional relationships.

A variety of treatment options are available to improve the appearance of acne scars. Some patients may benefit from laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, excision or subcision. Fillers, such as collagen, fat, or punch replacement grafts may also be used. Dr. Hanke has extensive experience with acne scars, and is able to recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Punch Replacement Grafts
"Ice pick" type scars can be removed with a small biopsy punch. The resulting defect is closed with a suture or is replaced with a small piece of new skin (the "punch graft") from behind the ear. A narrow piece of tape holds the punch graft in place for four days. Sometimes, laser resurfacing or dermabrasion is required several months later to flatten the tiny grafts.
Subcision
Subcision is an undermining technique that is utilized to elevate depressed acne scars. The thick scar bands are released with a fine-gauge needle, allowing the depressed scar to elevate.

CHEMICAL PEELING (for aging and sun-damaged skin)
Description | Treatment Time & Results | AFTER CARE | FAQs | Photo Gallery

DESCRIPTION: Chemical peeling is designed to improve the appearance of skin by peeling away the top layers. Peeling agents remove wrinkles and sun-damaged appearance. Peels can involve the entire face or just specific areas, such as the forehead, eyelids, cheeks, or mouth. A variety of peels (i.e. superficial, medium-depth, and deep) can also be performed.

Each peeling agent destroys sun-damaged skin to a certain depth, allowing new skin to form in its place. When healing is complete, newer, smoother skin appears. Sometimes several superficial peels are done rather than one deep peel. The newest peel is done with the Ultrapulse carbon dioxide laser.

TREATMENT TIME & RESULTS: The procedure can be performed in as little as 15 minutes, depending on the size of the area to be treated. Dr. Hanke will recommend the appropriate peel.

Superficial peels are essentially painless. They cause very little, if any, crusting so patients can return to work immediately. Medium-depth peels may cause some discomfort during application of the peeling agent, and healing requires one week.

AFTER CARE: For the first week following a medium-depth peel, the patient will follow specific care instructions. Ointment should be applied to keep the area moist and to prevent expected swelling and redness. Crusting is likely to develop after a few days, followed by exfoliation. Exfoliation is usually complete in seven to ten days. The newly healed skin will resemble a recent sunburn. Make-up can be applied after seven days. Complications are uncommon when proper care is followed. The skin may have a reddish appearance, but that usually resolves in three to eight weeks. Sun exposure should be avoided and a sunscreen of SPF 30 should be applied for at least six months.

DERMABRASION (to improve scarring, wrinkles, sun damage, and age spots)
Description | FAQs | Photo Gallery

DESCRIPTION: Dermabrasion is a method of removing surface irregularities by scraping the skin with a rotary instrument. Prior to treatment, the skin is numbed with local anesthesia or topical anesthesia.

The high-speed rotary instrument is precise enough to remove only the desired amount of skin. Treatment time and after care are similar to laser resurfacing.

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