Laser Treatments, Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion and Other Skin Care Options at Our Edina, Minnesota Practice

Skin that has been damaged by sun exposure and other factors can look dull, dry, discolored, wrinkled, and tired — aging a person's appearance. Fortunately, there are several treatment options to freshen up your appearance by reducing fine wrinkles and uneven pigmentation. We provide laser skin resurfacing, hair reduction/removal, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and other skin care treatments at our Edina, Minnesota cosmetic surgery practice to help our patients achieve and maintain optimal skin health and appearance. We offer a wide range of options to meet all of our patients' needs and goals.

• Microdermabrasion
• Laser Treatments
• Chemical Peels
• Skin Care Products

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion removes the outermost layers of dead skin cells, revealing the fresher, more radiant skin beneath the surface. It is performed with a small, handheld device that blows very fine crystals across the surface of the skin and gently suctions away the exfoliated cells.

Unlike more aggressive treatments, microdermabrasion requires no healing time whatsoever and patients can return to their full range of normal activities immediately following the procedure. The procedure produces only minor discomfort and requires no anesthesia. Most patients who undergo a microdermabrasion treatment describe the feeling as a tingling or a slight stinging sensation.

It is common for the skin to be temporarily pink and flushed after treatment, but these effects will subside quickly. Steps should be taken to prevent sunburn in the treated area, as it will be especially sensitive and vulnerable to sun damage right after a microdermabrasion treatment. Following the skin care techniques suggested by our Edina, Minnesota staff will help maintain results and keep skin healthy.

Microdermabrasion can be performed to reduce fine wrinkling and sun damage, although multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired effect. Because microdermabrasion is a gentler, less invasive procedure than most chemical peels and laser treatments, the results are generally not as dramatic. It is an ideal option, however, for people with a minimal amount of damage who just want to "freshen up" their appearance.

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Laser Treatments: Hair Reduction, Skin Resurfacing, Skin Tightening, Removal of Vascular Lesions and Age Spots

Laser treatments are rapidly becoming a mainstay in the treatment process for rejuvenation.  The technology has changed dramatically in the last few years and lasers are continuously being updated and developed to improve their effectiveness and broaden their range of applications.

If you have questions about laser treatments or if you would like to know if you are a candidate for treatment please contact our office today to schedule an appointment with one of our certified laser technicians.  We are conveniently located in Edina, Minnesota near Minnetonka, Wayzata, Eden Prairie and Bloomington.

Laser Hair Reduction/Removal

Laser hair removal is more accurately described as hair reduction.  Laser energy is absorbed by hair follicles in specific phases of their life cycles.  If the energy is absorbed at the right time then the follicle becomes inactive.  Since different hairs are in different phases at any given time then several treatments are usually scheduled at different times to treat as many of the follicles as possible.  The laser is used for many different skin types and hair colors and can be used to treat unwanted hair in virtually any location.

If you have questions about laser hair reduction or if you would like to know if you are a candidate for treatment please contact our office today to schedule an appointment with one of our certified laser technicians.  We are conveniently located in Edina, Minnesota near Minnetonka, Wayzata, Eden Prairie and Bloomington.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing works on the same principle as other skin resurfacing methods, but laser technology is used to remove the outer layers of dead and damaged skin. There are different laser systems to address different skin types and achieve different results. Some treatments are very gentle, providing subtle results similar to those of microdermabrasion, while others work deeper to achieve more significant renewal.

We provide a range of treatments to address the goals and skin types of all of our patients. Candidates for laser skin resurfacing will vary, based on the degree of damage and the results desired.

Laser Skin Tightening

Laser skin tightening utilizes laser energy to warm and stimulate cells deep within the skin to contract and to increase the production of new skin cells and collagen.  This causes the skin to shrink and thicken giving it a more youthful appearance.

If you have questions about laser skin tightening or if you would like to know if you are a candidate for treatment please contact our office today to schedule an appointment with one of our certified laser technicians.  We are conveniently located in Edina, Minnesota near Minnetonka, Wayzata, Eden Prairie and Bloomington.

Laser Removal of Vascular Lesions and Age Spots

Different types of lesions absorb different types of laser energy.  The different energies can then be used to target different lesions and cause them to disappear.  The most common lesions to be treated are vascular (spider veins, rosacea, cherry hemangiomas, etc.) and age/sun spots.  These lesions are typically very superficial and respond well to the treatments.

If you have questions about laser removal of vascular lesions and age spots or if you would like to know if you are a candidate for treatment please contact our office today to schedule an appointment with one of our certified laser technicians.  We are conveniently located in Edina, Minnesota near Minnetonka, Wayzata, Eden Prairie and Bloomington.

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Chemical Peels

A chemical peel is a treatment to remove damaged outer layers of skin with the use of a chemical solution. Chemical peels are classified into three major categories: light, medium, and deep. Within these categories, the chemical solution that is used can be adjusted for strength, making it possible to deliver just the right level of treatment for each individual.

Light Peels

AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) peels are the lightest and most gentle chemical peels available. Similar to microdermabrasion in their effects, light peels can be applied to almost any skin type and require very little, if any, recovery time. The effects are so gentle that many over-the-counter skin care products contain a mild AHA solution. Problems that may be addressed with a light chemical peel include fine wrinkling, mild sun damage, and dull, tired-looking skin.

Medium Peels

TCA (trichloroacetic acid) peels are stronger than AHA peels, but still do not require extensive recovery time in most cases. Medium peels can be used to address pigmentation problems, such as darkened patches, as well as fine wrinkling and sun damage. The skin will be sensitive after a TCA peel and must be protected from sun exposure for a few months to avoid damage to the skin. Medium peels can be used on most skin types, but people who have sensitive skin or who are more likely to develop uneven pigmentation may not be good candidates.

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Deep Peels

Deep chemical peels, such as phenol peels, provide the most dramatic results of the chemical peels. They also require the most significant amount of time for healing. After a deep chemical peel, a dressing may be applied to the face to protect the skin as it begins to heal. Swelling and significant redness will be present in the beginning, and gradually subside over time. The final results may not be visible for several weeks.

Deep chemical peels are effective at reducing facial wrinkles and dark patches on the skin, but are generally not recommended for people with dark skin tones, because permanent pigment changes can result. It is extremely important to protect the face from sun exposure after a deep chemical peel, even after healing is complete, because the skin's ability to produce pigment will be diminished and it will therefore be much more vulnerable to damage.

Skin Care Products

In addition to in-office rejuvenation treatments, we offer a range of outstanding products to help keep your skin clean, healthy, and youthful. We offer such notable brands as Obagi®, SkinCeuticals®, and Revision®. You can purchase these exceptional skin care products at our Edina office and through our website.

Contact Our Office for All Your Skin Care Needs

In addition to treatments such as microdermabrasion, we offer skin care advice and products. Many of our patients opt to combine skin care treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments, dermal fillers, or other facial procedures to achieve more dramatic results. Contact our Edina, Minnesota practice to schedule a consultation today.

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