Fine Lines, Acne, Scars, Melasma, Rosacea

Fine lines, brown (age spots) and red spots (small blood vessels) and roughness are visible signs of sun damage to the skin. A variety of treatments are available to rebuild collagen and resurface, reversing the signs of photo aging. They include microdermabrasion, chemical peels, ablative and nonablative fractional resurfacing and topical treatments.

Acne scars come in various shapes including box car, ice pick, rolling and atrophic varieties. Superficial scars can be treated with microdermabrasion and chemical peels. Deeper scars require the use of dermal fillers and fractional laser procedures.

Melasma (mask of pregnancy), is a condition of large brown patches on the forehead, cheeks and chin. It is seen more often in women and is the result of high levels of female hormones and sun exposure. It is difficult to treat and usually requires multiple therapies. Skin lightening agents are the first line and can be combined with chemical peels, photofacials and fractional laser treatments.

Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that affects the middle third of the face with persistent redness over the areas of the face and nose that normally blush: mainly the forehead, the chin and the lower half of the nose. The tiny blood vessels in these areas enlarge (dilate) and become more visible through the skin, appearing like tiny red lines (called telangiectasias). Treatment includes both oral and topical antibiotics, photofacials and laser treatments.

Enlarged pores are mostly due to heredity, oily skin and aging. They will respond to exfoliating procedures like microdermabrasion and chemical peels and topical retinoids. Photofacials and fractional laser treatments will also improve their appearance.