Question:
I have had several sessions of laser hair removal and my normal hairs are being eliminated just fine. However, the peach fuzz is still lingering. Is there another hair removal method to permanently remove “peach fuzz”?

Answer:
There are no known methods to permanently remove “peach fuzz”. Vaniqa is a cream that can be applied daily to slow hair growth along with your current method of hair removal. Vaniqa interferes with an enzyme found in the hair follicle of the skin needed for hair growth. This results in slower hair growth and a smoother skin appearance. This product can be prescribed by a physician or purchased here in our office.

Posted by Mark M. Hamilton M.D. FACS

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Question:
I have always had horrible acne and now have horrible acne scars. I’m very pale with sensitive skin and I’d like to know if a chemical peel would be safe for me and if it would help with the acne and scars.

Answer:
If you have not yet seen a Dermatologist; that would be my first recommendation. You may need an oral antibiotic to help clear the acne from the inside. A chemical peel containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid could help clear acne by working from the outside. I would suggest Microdermabrasion for smoothing your scarring or Co2 Laser Skin Resurfacing could also be an option once the breakouts are under control.

Posted by Mark M. Hamilton M.D. FACS

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Question:
I am interested in laser resurfacing…

Answer:
In the last twenty years, the growth in options for laser resurfacing has exploded. It can often be confusing for the consumer patient to know where to start. Asking which one is the best is understandable, but the real question is which one is right for you?

CO2 laser ablative resurfacing was the first laser system used for the improvement in facial skin. I believe today it still offers the ability to provide the most dramatic results possible. Even very deep wrinkles can be eliminated; complete rejuvenation of a patient’s skin with one session is possible.

That said, CO laser is not without its downsides. It typically is performed under anesthesia, can only be used for certain skin types, has a prolonged recovery and is not without risks. Because of this, researchers have produced a whole batch of new systems that limit theses downsides. They include non-Ablative lasers, Erbium and other wavelength systems, fractional non-Ablative lasers and now fractional CO2 laser systems. Each of these has different advantages including little to no downtime, ability to treat all skin types, minimal pain, and less risks. None, however, have demonstrated efficacy comparable to traditional CO2 laser.

Deciding which laser is right for you depends on your skin type, amount of sun damage, your lifestyle and your allowable downtime and expectations. Spending time in consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon can help you to select the right laser resurfacing procedure for you.

Posted by Mark M. Hamilton M.D. FACS

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Question:
I am an African American female looking to have a nose job.  I feel that my nose is too wide, but I am also scared that a generic small nose might look out of place on my face. Is there a chance of sort of ‘losing my ethnicity’ by having a rhinoplasty?

Answer:
Rhinoplasty involves reshaping the nose to achieve a more aesthetic appearance.

For those with a nose typical for African Americans, this can involve procedures to narrow the nasal bridge, refine the nasal tip and narrow the nostrils. Most African Americans want to make changes that improve their appearance without sacrificing their ethnicity.

Conservative changes with this in mind are important. In addition, video imaging can be used to show patients expected post-surgery appearance. This tool enables patients to be sure that their goals are in line with their surgeon’s.

With today’s rhinoplasty techniques, patients are able to improve their appearance without sacrificing their ethnicity.

Consulting with a board certified facial plastic surgeon is the first step to achieving the nasal appearance you want.

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Question:
I would like to undergo laser hair removal on my arms. I have pretty thick, coarse hair there. How many treatments would I need for permanent hair removal?

Answer:
The laser is attracted to pigment so the darker, coarser hair is the best hair to treat. Treatments usually consist of 6-10 performed at 6-8 week intervals. Touch-ups may be required to maintain results. I usually recommend 1-2 treatments per year if needed.

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