Skin

Skin Resurfacing Procedures

Chemical Peel

Aging facial skin experiences wrinkling, blemishes and uneven pigmentation. Chemical peels use various chemical solutions to improve and smooth the texture of the skin by removing the outer layers. The most superficial peel formula is alphahydroxy acid (AHA), such as glycolic, lactic or fruit acids. These agents freshen and improve skin texture with little to no recovery time. A more penetrating, medium-depth chemical peel, such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA), gives a more dramatic result but may require several successive treatments. Phenol is a strong chemical causing a deep peel but is not used by Dr. Parva. Dr. Parva primarily uses the Obagi Blue Peel, which is safe and effective. Pre-treating the skin prior to any chemical peel is important. Also, keep in mind that chemical peels only address the skin surface and are not a substitute for a facelift, which tightens and repositions loose skin and soft tissue.

Dermabrasion

Surface irregularities, such as wrinkles, acne and other scars, may be softened by dermabrasion. A high-speed rotary wheel is used to mechanically scrape the top skin layers. The procedure may take a few minutes to one hour with healing and return to work in two weeks. Potential risks include abnormal color changes and scarring. Redness may take 3 months to fade and sun exposure should be avoided for 6 to12 months.

Skin and Post-Traumatic Reconstruction

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer remains the most common form of cancer in the United States. Eighty percent appear on the face, head and neck. The primary cause is ultraviolet radiation from sun, sunlamps and tanning booths. Anyone can get skin cancer so any suspicious or non-healing skin lesion should be evaluated. The most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma, which is also the least dangerous because of its slow growth and low probability of spread to other sites. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common kind of skin cancer and may spread to distant sites, such as lymph nodes and internal organs. It can be life threatening if not treated. A third form of skin cancer is malignant melanoma, which is rapidly increasing in incidence. This is the most dangerous type of skin cancer since it may spread throughout the body. However, if treated early, it can be cured. The important point is to note any unusual changes of the skin and have your physician perform a thorough evaluation

Scar Revision/Burn Care

The development of scars after accidents, burns or prior surgery can be unpredictable. Many factors affect the severity of scar formation, which can then vary in thickness, color and texture. No scar can be removed completely but the appearance can be improved through surgical and non-surgical techniques. Steroid injection, silicone sheeting, lasers, skin grafts and surgical revision all play a role in treating scars. Generally, a scar revision should not be entertained until at least 6 to 9 months after the initial injury.

Plastic Surgery for Men

Liposuction

Liposuction is most often sought by men to improve the abdomen and flanks (love handles). Appropriate diet and regular exercise are important in maintaining good health, but over time men have a physiologic tendency to deposit fat in the abdominal and flank areas. An important distinction between men and women is that men accumulate much of the abdominal fat within the abdomen, not just in the fat layer under the skin. Fat inside the abdomen (around the intestines) cannot be liposuctioned. Dr. Parva makes that determination during consultation so men can have a realistic expectation of the final results. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction is an excellent technique to re-contour the dense fat accumulation over the abdomen and flanks.

Non-Surgical Rejuvenation

Obagi Nu-Derm Skin Care

Parva Plastic Surgery offers the Obagi Nu-Derm skin care system; clinically tested, therapeutically proven cleansers, toners and creams which combine exfoliating acids, skin bleaching agents and an exclusive ingredient, Complex 272 (Saponins). Used in conjunction with tretinoin therapy (retin-A), the Obagi Nu-Derm system restores the natural glow and elasticity of healthy skin. Dr. Parva will prescribe Obagi products for your skin color and type. The system works on the surface of the skin to smooth roughness and correct sun damage and aged skin. It penetrates below the surface to stimulate cell renewal, improving circulation and restoring moisture. Ask about the Obagi Nu-Derm System, and treat yourself to beautiful, healthy skin.

Obagi-C® Rx Program

The patented Obagi-C® Rx System is a complete skincare program that proactively corrects early signs of damage to help restore and maintain healthy, youthful skin. The system offers the benefits of both prescription-strength hydroquinone and potent vitamin C in one comprehensive package.  The Obagi-C Rx System addresses the needs of young skin by:

• Correcting hyperpigmentation (discoloration)—evens skin tone and enhances color uniformity—by regulating the production of the cells responsible for pigment in your skin
• Promoting skin cell turnover through gentle exfoliation to expose more glowing, healthy skin
• Preventing future skin cell damage by neutralizing free radicals and protecting the skin from UVA (aging) rays and UVB (burning rays) 

  Obagi CLENZIderm® M.D. Acne Treatment System

Obagi CLENZIderm® M.D. System is a prescription-strength acne treatment program that contains a patented, solubilized form of 5% benzoyl peroxide (BPO) to penetrate deep into the follicle and treat acne where it starts.  Available in two distinct systems, for normal to oily skin or normal to dry skin, these simple, 3-step, physician-dispensed acne therapies from Obagi Medical are clinically proven to better penetrate the follicles for effective P. acnes bacteria reduction and rapid lesion reduction.  It contains a solubilized form of 5% BPO designed to penetrate deep into the follicle and clear acne fast.

Obagi Rosaclear System For Rosacea 

Rosacea, a pink blush across the nose, cheeks and sometimes involving the forehead and chin, affects approximately 14 million Americans but only 1.1 million of those suffering seek treatment.  79% of rosacea sufferers aren’t aware that they need treatment for their skin condition.  The Rosaclear system treats redness and flushing, as well as inflammatory papules and pustules (acne-like pimples).  It reduces the appearance of redness and blotchiness and helps achieve a clearer, calmer, more balanced-looking complexion. Rosaclear provides gentle, non-comedogenic skincare to calm and protect inflamed, irritated skin.   

Botox

Botulinum A Toxin (Botox) injection is used in the cosmetic treatment for glabellar frown lines (wrinkles between the eyebrows), forehead lines, and crow's feet (lines around the outer corners of the eyes). Botulinum A Toxin (Botox) is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of eyelid spasm, muscle spasm causing crossed eyes, as well as for correcting one-sided facial muscle spasm. The FDA has approved Botox, often referred to by its product name Botox®, for the cosmetic treatment for glabellar frown lines.  Botox is also used "off label" for treating forehead lines, crow's feet near the eyes and thick bands in the neck.  The toxin blocks the nerve impulses, temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles while giving the skin a smoother, more refreshed appearance.  This paralysis is temporary, and reinjection is necessary within three to ten months to maintain the result. Complications are rare but may include paralysis of a nearby muscle resulting in its temporary loss of function (i.e., drooping eyelid).  Studies have also suggested that Botox is effective in relieving migraine headaches, excessive sweating and muscle spasms in the neck and eyes.  Contraindications to Botox injection include pregnancy, sensitivity to human albumin, sensitivity to aminoglycocide antibiotics and pre-existing neuromuscular disease.

Soft Tissue Filler Injections

Creases, furrows and sunken areas of the facial skin can be plumped up by fat or natural soft tissue fillers. Enhancement of the cheecks and brows can also be achieved with the use of fillers.  Soft tissue fillers are FDA approved solutions consisting of natural building blocks found within your tissue, such as Hyaluronic Acid (Juvederm™ and Restylane™) and Hydroxylapatite (Radiesse™). Fillers are delicately injected to plump, fill, and enhance features of the face; to include cheeks, parenthesis around the mouth, furrows between the eyes, lips, jowls, and even aging hands. On average, fillers may last from four months to two years, depending upon individual aging and the selected filler. With each treatment, patients immediately look rejuvenated with minimal recovery or downtime.

Thermage

The Thermage procedure is a technique of applying radiofrequency (RF) energy to the skin causing heating of the collagen in the deeper skin layer.  The collagen reaction to the heat results in tissue tightening and produces the result of tighter skin and renewed facial contours. 

There is no down time and unlike laser treatment, all skin types can undergo the Thermage treatment.  With each touch of the treatment tip, you will experience a deep heating sensation as the energy is delivered to the deep tissue layers.  A cooling mechanism helps protect the skin and make treatment more comfortable.  This should not be an overly painful procedure since the physician adjusts the energy level based on your feedback.  Additionally, a relaxant and pain medication is generally prescribed to give added comfort throughout the procedure. 

 

Some effects are immediate as the collagen shrinkage results in tighter skin and an expected on-going effect as the new collagen growth promotes to continual tightening and contouring of the skin up to 6 months after treatment.  Possible side effects are minimal and may include redness, swelling, increased sensitivity or soreness and possible lumps or bumps which should only last 2 to 5 days.  These side effects comprise less than 1% of the 70,000 estimated worldwide patient treatments.  Results of a single treatment are expected to last 24 months or longer based on the patient’s natural aging process.

 

Good candidates for Thermage are people with mild to moderate skin laxity, thin to medium skin thickness and mild sun damage who have realistic expectations about treatment outcomes.  Those with severe skin laxity and advanced sun damage are poor candidates and should not expect dramatic changes.  Keep in mind that the final results vary based on each individual’s skin qualities and extent of the treatment; and this procedure does not replace surgical procedures that are indicated when there is more advanced skin aging, laxity and damage.