Fraxel ™ Laser Resurfacing

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Dr. Mittelbronn is the first physcian in the Charleston area to offer Fraxel™ Laser Resurfacing for severe sun damage.  Approved by the FDA for resurfacing aging, acne scarred and sun damaged skin.

The Fraxel Laser procedure will improve sun damage, wrinkling, dark spots, large pores and lumpy texture on the face, neck, chest, and hands. It is very good for acne scars. Continued improvements will be seen for up to 3 months after the last treatment. Benefits have been shown to last years if the skin is properly cared for after treatment are completed.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Mittelbronn to learn how you can benefit from Fraxel.

Photorejuvenation

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Sun damage is the leading cause of premature aging on the skin. The telltale results are sun spots, facial vessels, dark patches, vessels and discolorations on the neck and chest, and fine lines and wrinkles.

As each patient is unique, repairing the damage takes an individualized approach. Dr. Mittelbronn can guide you in selecting the best treatments for your special needs. We offer a variety of specialized medical procedures using topicals, injections and laser technologies that are designed to offer the safest and most effective treatments available. Several different complimentary procedures maybe combined to achieve maximum results.

Thermage^™

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Thermage^™, called "the Facelift of the Future" is a noninvasive, nonsurgical approach tighten the aging face. Treatments are preformed to lift the eye brows, cheeks, jawline, under the chin and the upper neck. Thermage^™ provides modest tightening to skin of the face and neck using a patented technology to deliver radiofrequency energy to the deepest level of the skin while keeping the top layer cool. The delivered energy stimulates deep skin cells (fibroblasts) to secrete new collagen. The result is a gradual tightening seen over 6 months. Ongoing studies have shown results to last four yeears or longer.

Thermage^™ has no down time and only minimal redness and swelling are seen after treatment. Treatments average about 2 hours. Thermage^™ has a high safety profile with less than one percent incidence of side effects. Designed to tighten after a single treatment but patients may safely recieve additional treatments over time if they desire.

Patients interested in the Thermage treatment are welcome to call our office to set up a consultation appointment.

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Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

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Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology uses high-energy pulses of light to provide long-lasting results in the treatment of sundamage (dark spots, blotchy discolorations, visable vesels and fine wrinkles) and rosacea (facial redness and blood vessels). IPL stimulates collagen formation which tightens and tones the surface of the skin while removing dark spots and blood vessels.

Best known for its dramatic effects in reducing the sign of sundamage and redness on the face (Photofacial), but any area of the body can be treated safely. Patients experience dramatic results on the neck, chest, hands and arms using this treatment. Treatments take about one hour and afterwards the treated skin will be red and slightly swollen (like a sunburn) for 48-72 hours. Dark spots will temporarily darken after treatment which will disappear in 7 days.

There is no "down time" from this treatment but we recommend that you wear daily sun screen and refrain from excessive sun exposure while undergoing treatments.

Results are seen after one treatment but a series of treatments are needed for maximum benefit. Special package pricing is available.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion improves mild to moderate sun damage, acne scarring, fine lines and other superficial skin problems. A gentle stream of tiny particles exfoliates the outer layer of skin and provides a fresh, glowing, younger appearance. The particles scrape away the surface layer of aging or damaged skin, which is then brushed off with the microdermabrasion vacuum tool with no need for anesthesia. Only a small amount of skin is removed, so sensitive areas such as the face, chest, neck, arms and hands can be treated. Results will be visable immediately. After just one treatment your skin will feel softer and smoother and have a healthy glow.

Microdermabrasion is recommended for all ages and all skin types. This gentle yet effective treatment is called the "Lunch-Time Peel" because it can be done in under one hour and has no unwanted side effects

Microdermabrasion is often performed in conjunction with other skin renewal procedures, such as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment and chemical peels. Multiple treatments are recommended for full effect.

Special package pricing and Gift Certificates are available for this procedure.

Chemical Peels

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Chemical peels remove damaged outer layers of skin on the face to smooth texture, reduce scarring, and remove acne blemishes hyperpigmentation, and pre-cancerous growths to produce healthy, glowing skin. Peel formulas and strengths are tailored to each patient. Peels can be combined with other procedures such as microdermabrasion, Botox^®, and Tissue Fillers for a younger look.

We offer specially designed TCA (trichloroacetic acid) peels, glycolic acid peels and the Obagi^™ Blue PeelT. Special acne peels are also available.

BOTOX^®

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BOTOX^® Cosmetic is commonly used to reduce or eliminate the appearance of facial wrinkles. It is injected under the skin into areas surrounding the eyes, forehead and mouth to smooth crow's feet, frown and worry lines, and lines on the neck. Made from a purified protein, BOTOX^® injections block nerve impulses, weakening muscles to relax wrinkles and give the face a rejuvenated look. BOTOX^® may also be useful for headaches, excessive sweating of the armpit area (hyperhidrosis), and muscle spasms.

Leg Vein Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is the standard treatment for varicose and spider veins. The procedure involves injecting a saline solution through a tiny needle into the vein, which then collapses and is absorbed by the body. Treatments involve one or more injections during one or more sessions, depending on the type, number and severity of the veins being treated. By the end of the treatment program, the veins are no longer visible on the skin surface. Sclerotherapy usually also relieves symptoms associated with enlarged veins and prevents further complications.

On average, one to three sessions are required, spaced four to six weeks apart. After each session, patients will have to wear prescription grade support hose for several weeks and are encouraged to walk or exercise to speed recovery. The procedure is outpatient. Bruising and swelling (if present) should fade within a week or two. Sclerotherapy rarely produces more severe side effects such as scarring, although it cannot prevent the recurrence of vascular lesions.

Laser Hair Removal

We offer permanent hair reduction that is safe, effective and easy. Patients love the LightSheer^™ laser which is known to be the best hair removal laser on the market. As compared to other lasers on the market, this laser delivers true permanent hair reduction that lasts. Effective for hair most anywhere: face, chest, and back, under arms, bikini, arms and legs. Most treatments last 30 minutes and discomfort is minimal. Multiple treatment sessions are needed for maximum results. Call our office for current prices and specials.

MEN are appreciating the benefits of laser hair removal. Shaving acne and irritating ingrown hairs are virtually eliminated with this technology. Unwanted hair on the back, chest and shoulders can be diminished permanently. We provide comfortable and safe treatments for all skin types on any body surface area.

Special package pricing and Gift Certificates are available for this procedure.

Injectible Tissue Fillers

Restylane^™, Sculptra^™, Radiesse^™, Collagen, and Hylaform^™ - Enjoy fuller more youthful lips and loose your wrinkles! Injectible tissue filling agents comprise a large part of Dr. Mittelbronn's cosmetic practice and she was among the first in the state to offer patients the new European filler Restylane^™ and the longer lasting filler, Radiesse^™ and Sculptra^™ for correction of lines and wrinkles. Her patients have been thrilled with the results of these new products, especially when combined with BOTOX^®. Now, patients can achieve dramatic and lasting improvements to facial lines and wrinkles and enhance their lips safely and conveniently, often in one visit.

Restylane^™

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Restylane^™ is designed to smooth wrinkles, sculpt lips and shape facial contours. It is a clear gel composed of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that is found throughout your body. This synthetic acid carries no risk of allergic reaction. The most common areas for treatment are the glabellar lines (between the eyebrows) and the nasolabial folds (from the root of the nose to the angle of your mouth). With its unique ability to bind with water, Restylane^™ remains in your skin for many months. Restylane^™ is FDA approved for cosmetic enhancement of the face.

Sculptra^™

Sculptra^™ is a new injectable product used to counteract the loss of fat beneath the skin, a condition called lipoatrophy. Sculptra is injected into the deep dermis layer of the skin to improve the appearance of sunken cheeks, hollow eyes, indentations and wrinkles. There is no need for allergy testing, since Sculptra's main component is an alpha hyrdoxy acid that has been used for 20 years in surgical products such as dissolvable sutures. Clinical trials have shown that the benefits of Sculptra treatments last up to two years. Sculptra^™ is FDA approved for cosmetic enhancement of the face.

Radiesse^™

Formerly known as Radience^™, Radiesse^™ is a synthetic injectable filler that reduces wrinkles, creases and scars by augmenting the body's natural collagen supply. Composed of microspheres in a biocompatible gel, Radiesse^™ is made from the same minerals found in our bones, so it carries no risk of allergic reaction (unlike collagen, which requires a skin test) - just one of its advantages over alternative treatments. Radiesse^™ can be used on many areas of the body, but the most effective areas treated are the lips, nasolabial folds, peri-oral lines, depressed scars and oral commissures.

Treatments typically take 15 minutes and require only local anesthetic. Side effects such as swelling or bruising are minimal and should fade within a few days. Results are visible immediately after the injection and can last for months or years, although the procedure can be repeated as often as you wish.

Obagi^™

The Obagi^™ Nu-Derm is a skin treatment program used alone or as a preparation for other procedures to develop and maintain healthy skin. Designed for easy use at home, in six weeks (the time it takes for the outer layer of your skin to be replaced with the fresh one beneath) the Nu-Derm System transforms damaged, dry or wrinkled areas into smooth, soft and well-moisturized skin. Nu-Derm also strengthens your skin against day-to-day damage, reduces the appearance of blemishes and other discoloration, improves circulation, and rebuilds collagen for a fuller, younger look.

The Obagi^™ Blue Peel is a mild chemical peel used in combination with the Obagi^™ Nu-Derm Restoration System for clear, smooth, healthy skin. During the peel process, the damaged surface layer of skin is removed, and soon it is replaced with a fresh layer that is smoother, well-toned, more even in color, and has smaller pores. The Blue Peel offers benefits over other peel methods because it allows the physician to control many aspects of the process, including the depth of penetration, so treatments can be tailored to the individual patient. On average two to three peels are required to achieve full skin health.

The Obagi^™ Rx C is a series that combines the powerful anti-oxidant properties of topical vitamin C with prescription strength bleaching agents. This product line is best for more severely sun damaged and mature skin types because it provides superior repair. Can be used alone or as a pretreatment regime prior to a Blue Peel.

Elimination of Dark Spots & "Age Spots"

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Age spots, also called liver spots, are flat brown patches on the skin that have darkened in color ("pigmented") after exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light. They are commonly seen in people over the age of 40 on areas of skin that are frequently exposed to sunlight, such as the hands, shoulders, forearms, face and forehead. Age spots may look unattractive, but age spots are painless and harmless, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments, chemical peels, including Obagi Blue Peel^™ and cryosurgery are most effective.

Scar Repair

Deep acne scars can be repaired by a combination of surgery, chemical peels and lasers. Traumatic and unsightly surgical scars can be altered by several methods. Dr. Mittelbronn can provide you with evaluation and treatment options that best fit your needs.