1419 Village Drive
St. Joseph, Mo 64506
ADVANCED DERMATOLOGY & SKIN CANCER CENTER
| 816.364.1507 |
2617 Burris Road
Maryville, Mo 64468
Cosmetic Dermatology Services
Cosmetic dermatology is a rapidly changing field, and we pride ourselves in using the latest treatments and techniques to achieve a natural and youthful appearance for our patients. Dr.Melody Stone takes the time to thoroughly discuss each patient’s goals and expectations before selecting the optimal treatment. The right cosmetic procedure can make a significant impact on how one looks and feels, boosting self-esteem and confidence.
Acne Scarring
Acne can leave behind scars that persist even after breakouts have cleared, affecting self-esteem and confidence. Fortunately, there are many treatment options that can significantly improve acne scars. These treatments vary depending on the type of acne scarring, as well as the skin pigmentation of the patient. We offer a variety to treat acne scars including chemical peels, Fraxel laser, and dermal filler injections.
Brown Spots or Sun Spots
Brown spots or sun spots are the result of aging and are more pronounced in areas of sun exposure like the face, chest, and hands. They are not cancerous, but can make you look and feel much older than your actual age. Fortunately, there are several options to treat brown spots safely and effectively. Both individual spots and larger areas like the face or chest can be treated. Treatments include chemical peels, Clear + Brilliant and Fraxel laser.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels have been used for years, as they are a safe and effective treatment for many skin conditions. We offer peels to help correct hyper-pigmentation, brown spots, sun spots, melasma, and acne. Chemical peels can also be performed to improve skin tone and texture, and to prevent premature signs of aging. When treating acne, we prefer salicylic acid peels, while, for overall skin rejuvenation, we use glycolic acid peels.
Melasma
Melasma is a common condition primarily seen in young women. It is patchy, brown, hyper-pigmentation of the face most often located on the forehead, cheeks, nose and upper lip. Melasma is usually triggered by sun exposure or hormonal changes caused by birth control pills or pregnancy. Vigilant sun protection and lightening creams can prove effective treatments; however, for more resistant melasma, stronger treatments include the Clear + Brilliant and Fraxel lasers.
PRP and Microneedling
PRP is platelet rich plasma, which contains growth factors and other regenerative and healing cells derived from blood. PRP can be used in a variety of ways, and we are offering multiple different treatments that incorporate this new technology.
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PRP with microneedling
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PRP injections
We can use PRP as a substrate and glide for microneedling. Once the skin is injured, this allows the growth factors to penetrate deep into the skin, which means more dramatic results. PRP also helps speed up the recovery process. This treatment is ideal for a patient that wants to improve the overall texture of their skin. PRP can also be injected deep into the skin to help promote collagen growth. It is a great preventative treatment for patients looking to fight the aging process.
The PRP can also be injected into the scalp, and we concentrate the injections to the specific problem areas discussed with the patient. We recommend a series of treatments for the best result.
Rosacea, Facial Redness, Broken Capillaries and Blood Vessels
Rosacea is a very common skin condition affecting over 16 million Americans. It manifests in patients as redness, broken capillaries, or flushing, which can be treated with the laser. Most patients see improvement with one treatment, but multiple treatments may be required depending on the severity of the condition, the type of blood vessel, and the skin type of the patient.
Seborrheic Keratoses
Seborrheic keratoses are brown, warty growths that can develop on the face, neck and body as we age. They are extremely common and can vary in number, with some people having hundreds. Seborrheic keratoses are not cancerous, but can be irritating and cosmetically disturbing. They can be removed with minimal recovery time using electrosurgery or cryosurgery.
Skin tag removal
Skin tags are extremely common growths, which can be bothersome and cosmetically displeasing. Depending on the size and location, they can be removed simply by cryosurgery, electrodessication, or snip removal.
Skin Texture or Tone
Although everyone is born with baby soft skin, sun damage and exposure to the elements can take their toll resulting in rough, uneven skin texture and tone. We will offer an individualized skin care regimen and discuss other treatments including chemical peels, and laser therapies like Fraxel and Clear + Brilliant.
Ultherapy
Ulthera is a noninvasive procedure that uses ultrasound energy to lift and tighten skin on the face, neck and chest. Ultrasound energy heats the deep layers of the skin, creating microinjuries to the same layer that is lifted during a facelift. As the skin heals, new collagen is produced, creating a lift. Optimal results are seen six months post procedure. Ulthera is a great option for patients that are not ready or do not want to undergo a surgical procedure. Popular treatment areas include the lower face for a tighter jawline and minimized double chin, the brow to improve lid sagging, as well as the neck for firming and tightening of the skin. There is some minor discomfort during the procedure, which is managed with oral medications . A great part of Ulthera versus other invasive procedures is that there is no downtime. After Ulthera, patients look normal and can go out to dinner, or go back to work.
Wrinkles and Fine Lines
With age, it is natural to develop static fine lines and wrinkles. Each person ages differently, as both genetics and lifestyle factors, such as sun exposure and smoking, influence the aging process.
Wrinkles can be treated in many different ways. Botox injections relax facial muscles improving wrinkles that occur with movement. Filler injections plump up the skin restoring lost volume and improving deep lines.
For some patients, Botox and filler injections are not enough, and they require laser resurfacing to reduce wrinkles and stimulate new collagen formation. We use the latest technologies including Clear + Brilliant, Laser Genesis, and the Fraxel Dual Laser to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
