Name: Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology
Address: 515 N State St., Suite 900, Chicago, IL, 60654, US
Telephone: (312) 245-9965
Price range: $

May 21, 2024

How young is “too young”, to use retinol? Interview w/ Dr. Solomiya Grushchak, MD, FAAD, FACMS

Particularly in the last couple years we have seen content creators on the mobile app TikTok inspire a number of cultural trends among all ages everywhere. Because of advancements in dermatology and the reach social media has, the beauty & aesthetic industry has exponentially grown. Beauty influencers can be attributed to this growth because they’ve built their followings reviewing everything from skincare products, to makeup, to the latest aesthetic treatments [ which then can become trendy ]. Many dermatologists and estheticians have also created followings on social media by reacting to product or aesthetic treatment reviews to state if what the original creator does is safe and effective, or not. Now, we are seeing children be influenced by this type of content to want whichever trendy product their favorite creator enjoys. Unfortunately, not all viral skincare is suitable for children or pre-teens. The office of Assemblymember Alex Lee states, “Young children exposed to this content are driven to buy trendy products, including anti-aging skincare, that are targeted to adult skin concerns, without receiving proper information about the effects or science behind the skincare.” No matter your age, it is important to cleanse & protect your skin with sunscreen. But how young is too young to be using anti-aging skincare? As people have studied dermatology and the importance of sunscreen, it has become cultural to incorporate a skincare regimen into their daily lives for healthy, clear skin. Traditionally the skincare industry created their products for adults to not only maintain & protect overall skin clarity, but to combat signs of aging, texture or discoloration. In recent years due to social media’s influence, the latest trend is the goal to have glowing glass skin. Ingredients in trending skincare which influencers claim to give glass skin can include many types of Vitamin A derivatives (AHA/BHA), Vitamin C, or Retinol. The ingredients mentioned can be harsh on sensitive skin - even for an adult. In most cases, a pre-teen using a product with one of these ingredients would be far too aggressive. Recent reports have detailed individuals under the age of 13 showing adverse effects to improperly using skincare with harsh ingredients suitable for adult skin. Media outlets such as ABC & BeautyMatter published news of a proposed bill, California AB 2491, authored by Assemblymember Alex Lee of San Jose. The bill, AB 2491, would effectively ban the sale of products that contain vitamin A or its derivatives, including retinol and retinoids, or an alpha hydroxy acid, including glycolic acid, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), or citric acid to be sold to anyone under the age of 13. Dr. Solomiya Grushchak, our Board-Certified Dermatologist & Fellowship-Trained Mohs Micrographic & Cosmetic & Laser Surgeon at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery & Dermatology shares her insight. “Having an age restriction on topical vitamin A or AHA/BHA for young patients is a sensible approach to enhancing consumer safety and ensuring proper product use. These ingredients can cause significant irritation and sensitivity, especially in younger individuals with sensitive and delicate skin. Additionally, pre-teens often don’t need potent treatments as their skin naturally exfoliates and doesn’t show signs of aging. Age restrictions would ensure users are better informed and thus prevent misuse or overuse, and fostering responsible retail practices that prioritize long-term skin health.” Since, on May 16th the bill was denied. However, this effort does raise awareness that being a conscious consumer of skincare is important. Just because a certain product may work for one person, it may not work for you. [ & that’s okay!] Everyone’s skin is different. Which his why consulting with an esthetician or dermatologist is important when choosing the right products. In conclusion, if you are wanting clear and healthy skin, or need new strategies to combat acne. You should first, consult with a Board-Certified Dermatologist or a Licensed Esthetician to receive a skincare plan that’s right for your skin type! When it comes to choosing a regimen, it’s important to learn which products should be included, and the proper use for these products. Improper use of any product can result in adverse effects and is why it’s important to make sure you are properly educated. If you’re looking for the right recommendations from the experts - Come to Chicago Cosmetic Surgery & Dermatology to see one our our experienced providers, and shop at Chicago Skin Science afterward! Chicago Skin Science is located within our practice and sells our products online as well. We offer domestic shipping & same day delivery within 10 miles. All products available ChicagoSkinScience.com are selected by our Board Certified Dermatologists to guarantee you’re only getting the best. Chicago Cosmetic Surgery & Dermatology "Where our goal is to help you feel great in your own skin." Written by: Corey Lantz

May 2, 2024

Gifts for the mother in your life

Whether they are your biological mom, your mother-in-law, a mom-like figure in your life or a dog mom, treat that special person with an extra-special gift from CCSD! Mother's Day is on May 12 – here are some great ideas to treat her this year! OmniLux Contour LED At-Home Devices: Give the gift of glowing skin with an OmniLux LED device for the face, hands or neck & décolleté! Omnilux redefines skincare with medical-grade LED light therapy proven to enhance your natural skin. It helps reduce fine lines, wrinkles, redness, and the appearance of pigmentation, while restoring a healthy, youthful glow. EmSculpt NEO: Tighten abdominal muscles, reduce fat, and close the separation in abdomen between the muscles from childbirth with HIFEM energy (High-intensity focused electromagnetic technology). The perfect Push present for new moms! CSS and CCSD Gift Certificates: Whether you need a last-minute gift or you’re buying for the mom that has EVERYTHING, a gift certificate is sure to please! With a Chicago Skin Science gift certificate, she can stock up on her favorite skin care products. Or a Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology gift certificate lets her book a cosmetic treatment she’s always wanted! EmSella: Helps strengthen the pelvic floor - great for ALL moms! Improves childbirth recovery, prevents pelvic floor laxity, decreases urinary incontinence and more. EMFACE: Non-invasive Facial Lifting in as little as four 20-minute sessions- no downtime, no needles. Resulting in up to 37% fewer wrinkles! In May, an EMFACE submentum package also receives a complimentary Alastin Neck Complex, while supplies last. A $119 value, Alastin Neck Complex tightens and smooths the neck/décolleté area. EMFEMME 360: Whether it's a result of age, childbirth or simply a cosmetic insecurity, women are regularly asking about treatments to address urinary incontinence and other intimacy concerns. EFEMME 360 is the quickest radiofrequency (RF) non-invasive and no downtime treatment to address a wide range of women’s wellness concerns. Call us today to purchase your Mother's Day present!

April 30, 2024

The Best Non-Surgical Treatments for Deep Wrinkles

As we age, it’s common for fine lines and creases to gradually turn into deep wrinkles. For many, these wrinkles are an unwelcome sign of the aging process. Fortunately, cosmetic technology has advanced significantly in recent years, giving patients many options to improve their skin texture without surgery. In this guide, we will look at the best non-surgical ways to smooth deep wrinkles and make your skin look younger and healthier. Botox Botox® and other neuromodulator injections like Dysport and Daxxify help reduce facial lines and wrinkles by blocking the nerves that cause muscle movements. Botox® is often recommended for forehead lines, crow’s feet and frown lines. The treatment is quick with no recovery time needed. Results typically last 3-4 months. Medication Certain types of topical medications, such as retinol and chemical peels, can reduce the appearance of wrinkles. They achieve this result by stimulating the natural production of collagen and elastin in the skin. With regular use over several months, most patients notice a significant reduction in the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles. Dermal Fillers Injectable HA dermal fillers like Restylane and Juvederm can help soften smile lines, lines around the mouth, and marionette lines. A few injections can quickly improve unwanted deep wrinkles. Fillers can also erase under-eye circles, giving you a fresher, more youthful look. Emface EMFACE is a non-surgical wrinkle treatment that helps smooth skin while toning the facial muscles. During treatment, a special device is placed on the face that sends Synchronized Radiofrequency (RF) and High-Intensity Focused Electric Stimulation (HIFES) to the skin. Treatment consists of four 20-minute sessions performed once a week. The device can reduce wrinkles, replenish collagen, and improve your facial muscle tone. Thermage FLX Thermage FLX uses radiofrequency energy to heat the skin's deeper layers. This causes the existing collagen fibers to contract and promote new collagen production. This technology is well-known for treating different skin issues including deep wrinkles, fine lines, and skin laxity. Sofwave Sofwave tightens and lifts using gentle ultrasound waves for younger-looking skin. This new non-invasive treatment utilizes state-of-the-art ultrasound technology, generating heat at just the right depth to boost your body’s own collagen and elastin production. This process helps lift skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Say Goodbye to Deep Wrinkles For Good At Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, we're dedicated to helping you achieve your best self. With our state-of-the-art treatments, experienced doctors, and a commitment to excellence, we ensure a safe and transformative experience. Don't let wrinkles define your worth! Take the first step towards a more youthful and confident you. Call (312) 245-9965 to schedule your initial treatment consultation.

April 23, 2024

5 Great Tummy Tuck Alternatives

If you’re dreaming of a flatter, firmer midsection without the pain and recovery time associated with traditional tummy tuck surgery, you’re not alone. The demand for non-surgical alternatives has increased in recent years as individuals seek out modern body sculpting treatments. In this article, we’ll explore five fantastic options offered at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology to get the tummy you've always wanted. The Limitations of a Tummy Tuck A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, has long been a popular choice for individuals looking to eliminate excess belly fat and tighten loose skin. While a tummy tuck is a safe and effective procedure, it’s not for everyone. The recovery time and risks can leave some people looking for less invasive options. Fortunately, advancements in cosmetic science have led to the development of several tummy tuck alternatives that can provide impressive results! Non Surgical Tummy Tuck Options CoolSculpting Elite CoolSculpting is a revolutionary cosmetic treatment that targets stubborn pockets of fat in the abdominal area. It utilizes controlled cooling technology to freeze and break down fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated by the body over time. This procedure is safe, effective, and requires minimal downtime. Say goodbye to unwanted belly fat without surgery! Best for: People with a significant amount of excess belly fat to lose who want an effective lipo alternative Not for: People looking to lose more than 25% of their body weight EMSCULPT NEO EMSCULPT NEO is another non-invasive treatment option that not only destroys fat cells but also builds and tones abdominal muscles. It uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy to stimulate muscle contractions and burn fat cells. EMSCULPT NEO offers both fat reduction and muscle toning, helping you achieve a sculpted, taut tummy without surgery. Best for: Individuals looking to build muscle in addition to shedding excess fat Not for: People with a BMI over 35 EXION Body The EXION Body applicator is the perfect non-invasive solution for the midsection (and many other areas of the body!). Utilizing radio frequency and targeted ultrasound energies reduces fat while tightening the skin. It also increases your own Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen and Elastin production for a more sculpted and toned abdomen area. Best for: People who want to slim and tighten multiple areas of the body, especially aging skin. Not for: Those looking to remove a large amount of excess fat EMTONE EMTONE is a non-invasive cellulite treatment that utilizes radiofrequency and targeted pressure energy to improve skin texture. While not specifically designed for fat reduction, Emtone can enhance the overall appearance of your tummy by smoothing out dimpled skin and creating a more toned look. Best for: People who want to reduce cellulite and tighten stomach skin Not for: Those looking to remove a large amount of excess fat Tumescent Liposuction Tumescent liposuction is a minimally invasive fat removal procedure. It starts by injecting a special solution into the treatment area to numb it. Then, a thin tube called a cannula is used to suction out excess fat. This procedure offers a quicker recovery time compared to traditional tummy tuck with liposuction surgery while still achieving impressive results. Best For: Individuals within 30% of their goal weight who have good skin elasticity and muscle tone Not For: People who smoke or have serious health conditions Deciding Which Tummy Tuck Alternative is Right for Me Choosing the right tummy tuck alternative for your needs is a personal process. Here are some factors to consider when deciding which option is best for you. 1. Your Goals Start by defining your goals. Are you primarily looking to reduce fat, tighten loose skin, build muscle, or improve skin texture? Knowing your desired outcome will help you narrow down your choices. 2. Budget and Downtime Consider your budget and the amount of downtime you can afford. The procedures suggested above have varying costs and recovery times. Some may also require multiple sessions for optimal results, so factor this into your decision-making process. 3. Consultation with a Professional Schedule a consultation with one of our Certified Physician Assistants or Board-Certified Dermatologists.. They can assess your medical history, discuss your goals, and recommend the most suitable treatment for your body type and desired results. Tighten Stomach Skin and Remove Belly Fat at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology These five different tummy tuck alternatives offer a range of ways to achieve the look you want. Whether you're wanting to eliminate stubborn belly fat, tone your muscles, or tighten loose skin, there's a body sculpting solution for you! Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology is dedicated to providing the latest and most effective treatments to help you reach your aesthetic goals. Our expert providers are highly skilled in carrying out a range of cosmetic treatments to target fat deposits and remove excess skin. Call 312-245-9965 today to schedule your initial consultation!

April 23, 2024

How to Lift Sagging Cheeks Without Surgery

Are you bothered by sagging cheeks that make you look older than you feel? You're not alone! Many people start to experience this natural sign of aging as early as 30. The good news is that there are ways to tackle cheek droopiness without going under the knife. In this article, we’ll discuss everything from home remedies to non-invasive procedures to help you regain a youthful appearance. What Causes Saggy Cheeks? As we age, collagen production decreases, causing our skin to lose its firmness and elasticity. Other factors like sun exposure, genetics, and lifestyle choices can accelerate this process. The result? Saggy cheeks that can make us look tired or sad. Aging As we age, the fat pads that provide fullness to our cheeks begin to diminish, resulting in a sunken appearance. Cheek tissues and muscles weaken, and this natural aging process results in sagging cheeks. In addition to our body’s aging processes, gravity takes its toll on our facial skin, gradually pulling it downward over the years. Sun Damage Sun exposure is a significant contributor to premature aging. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun break down collagen and elastin fibers, accelerating the sagging process. This is why wearing sunscreen and protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays is crucial in maintaining a youthful appearance. Genetics Our genetic composition plays a substantial role in how our skin ages. Some individuals may be genetically predisposed to developing saggy cheeks at an earlier age due to their family's skin type and aging patterns. Lifestyle Unhealthy lifestyle choices, like smoking and excessive drinking, can also impact the condition of your skin. Smoking, in particular, reduces blood flow to the skin and damages collagen and elastin fibers, leading to premature aging. Natural Remedies for Cheek Drooping Natural remedies may not be as effective as cosmetic procedures, but they can still offer some reduction in cheek droopiness. Face Exercises Facial exercises can help tone the muscles underneath your skin, reducing sagging. Try exercises like cheek lifts, smiling widely, or blowing kisses. Regular practice can make a difference over time. Diet Eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and collagen-boosting nutrients can contribute to healthier skin. Foods like berries, fish, and vegetables can be particularly beneficial. Facial Massage Massaging your cheeks in an upward motion can stimulate blood circulation and promote collagen production. Use a moisturizer or facial oil to avoid tugging on your skin. How to Get Rid of Saggy Cheeks Without Surgery When natural remedies aren't providing the results you want, you may want to explore more advanced options, like dermal fillers or EMFACE. Both of these treatment options provide impressive results without surgery. Non Surgical Cheek Lift Options Dermal Fillers Injectable fillers like hyaluronic acid injections can restore volume and lift sagging cheeks. This minimally invasive treatment provides immediate results with little to no downtime. EMFACE EMFACE is a groundbreaking non-surgical cheek lift procedure that harnesses the power of electromagnetic (EM) energy to stimulate muscle contractions and tighten the skin. This treatment option restores lost volume without the scars or recovery time of surgery. This innovative technology has gained popularity among those looking for facial rejuvenation without the downtime or scars of surgery. It's a quick and painless treatment that provides natural-looking results. How Does EMFACE Work? EMFACE employs high-frequency electromagnetic waves to target the muscles beneath your cheeks. By emitting these electromagnetic pulses, EMFACE induces involuntary muscle contractions, similar to an intense workout. These contractions work to strengthen and tone the underlying facial muscles, effectively lifting sagging cheeks. Additionally, EMFACE stimulates collagen and elastin production within your skin. These two essential proteins play a pivotal role in maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. As the treatment encourages your body to produce more collagen and elastin, you'll notice improvements in skin tightness and texture. Achieve Smoother, Younger-Looking Skin at CCSD If you’re looking to achieve smoother, younger-looking skin, turn to the cosmetic experts at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology. Our practice delivers state-of-the-art technology combined with personalized care and patient-focused treatment. Our board-certified team will help you find the perfect treatment for your needs, whether that’s dermal fillers, EMFACE, or another non-invasive skin tightening option. Call (312) 245-9965 to schedule an initial cosmetic consultation.

March 26, 2024

Booking Now For Medical Weight Loss!

If losing weight is part of your New Year goals, CCSD is now offering a medical weight loss program! Semaglutide is FDA-approved to help with chronic weight management and stimulate weight loss. We offer semaglutide with Vitamin B-12 to help reduce appetite, slow gastric emptying, and promote better eating habits. The addition of Vitamin B-12 helps ease side effects such as nausea and fatigue. Studies show that patients see a significant weight loss when using semaglutide with B-12. The CCSD Medical Weight Loss Program includes: 3 months of weekly visits and semaglutide treatments with our Physician Assistants. With weight loss alone, one loses muscle mass loss which can decrease metabolism. To combat this, we offer a package of 4 EMSCULPT NEO treatments which further help with weight loss and maintain core strength. Weight Loss Program patients can also receive discounts on skin toning and smoothing treatments such as EMTONE and EXION, to help keep you looking your best throughout your journey! Weight loss progress will be recorded and monitored by an intuitive 3D body composition device, which accurately measures body fat, muscle volume, lean mass, bone mass and so much more! We’re excited to offer this new program to our patients! Call us at 312-245-9965 ext. 5004 for more information and to start your weight loss journey today!

March 12, 2024

Defy Aging Virtual Event 2024!

THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING OUR DEFY AGING EVENT! One of our most popular events of the year, Defy Aging, will be here before you know it! Join us virtually all-day on Thursday, April 18 and enjoy: Discounts on your favorite cosmetic treatments like Dysport, EMFACE, DiamondGlow, CoolSculpting and EMSCULPT NEO just to name a few! Skincare deals on chicagoskinscience.com! Defy Aging orders will receive a complimentary curated skincare sample bundle, while supplies last! Enter for a chance to win FREE cosmetic treatments and skincare products! (event-day purchase needed to be eligible for product raffle) Virtual all-day event, shop whenever you want on April 18!

March 4, 2024

Welcome Dr. Jennifer Croix!

We are pleased to announce that Jennifer Croix, MD, PhD will be joining our experienced CCSD providers beginning Monday, April 1, 2024! Dr. Croix is a Board-Certified Dermatologist with a PhD in Nutritional Sciences (2010) and MD with highest distinction from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2012). Dr. Croix also completed a highly competitive cosmetic fellowship at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York. Dr. Croix has contributed to numerous publications and research obtaining many accolades for her achievements. She began her practicing in 2017 working in the northern Chicagoland area. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, reading, various arts and crafts. We hope our patients will help us in welcoming Dr. Croix and call our office to book your next appointment with her, 312-245-9965.

February 15, 2024

After 20 years, I finally found something that cured my acne!

My acne has always been the thing I wished I could change about myself more than anything. To those who have never experienced real acne this may sound dramatic, but it is all consuming. You are obsessed with checking your skin: treating active acne, seeing if anything new is forming beneath the surface (and praying that it won’t), blotting excess oil, covering up spots and scars to the best of your ability with concealer, and so on. When going to bed with a bad pimple, sometimes I would wake up in the middle of the night and feel compelled to turn on the lights and “check in” on it. In the morning before getting out of bed, I’d run my hands over my face to feel if any new bumps were starting to form. Socially, there were many occasions where I wanted to cancel plans because of a bad breakout. I remember being on an early date with my now husband in which I had a cyst forming on my forehead throughout the span of the evening - it was pulsing and itching. I tried to pull my hair forward in front of it but it was unsuccessful. Completely innocently, he literally asked me if I got bit by a mosquito. I thought to myself, “can the floor open now so I can just fall through?” My Background Looking at my genetics, there wasn’t much of a chance for me escaping at least some type of acne. My mom, who never had much outside of the occasional pimple growing up, naturally has very oily skin. My dad on the other hand, suffered from severe acne starting as a teenager not just on his face but down his back and arms. He eventually went on Accutane in his early 20s and saw significant improvements. It only required a second cycle of it in his late 30s to fully clear up the cystic acne on his back. The oily skin on both sides, plus my dad’s history, made for a tough combination. When I started getting acne as a pre-teen in middle school, the first course of action was to try a series of different topicals containing the standard salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. But it just wasn’t enough to fight what was now turning giant whiteheads along with the first signs of painful cystic acne. My parents and I made the decision with my dermatologist when I was around 14 to go on Accutane. If it worked for my dad, it would work for me right? Anyone who has been on Accutane knows its an absolutely brutal drug on the body. The side effects with dryness on the skin, chapped lips and muscle aches are real and painful. But with the end goal of clear skin, I was committed to going through with it all. Accutane worked for me in the beginning. For two years I had no acne and felt completely free in high school. Then, it started to come back. The dermatologist confidently recommended that like my dad, I just needed another dose of it. This time the muscle pain was so bad that I could barely finish the cycle, but once again I thought I was cured! The Struggles of Adult Acne I have to think the skin problems I experienced early on in college were a result of a lot of life, environment and consumption changes. My acne came back, but this time in the form of small bumps underneath the surface of my skin. I tried a few different over the counter products and skincare systems, some of which made my skin even more red and irritated. A new dermatologist I saw the summer after my freshman year got me on an antibiotic to calm down the irritation, gave me new cleansers and prescribed birth control. A lot of young women struggle with hormonal acne and birth control works well to help control it. My skin improved a little on this new regimen but it was never cured. I’ll always remember seeing a former suite-mate whom which I shared a bathroom with as a freshman when we returned to school in the fall. She exclaimed, “wow Rachel, your skin is all the same color again!” While perhaps unintentionally hurtful, it stuck with me. As I progressed into the post-grad world and started my career, the acne was still a pain point. And I’ll be honest, there were many days I wanted to to stay home from work. A bad pimple on my face would hinder my confidence to speak up in a meeting. I’d obsess with blotting the oil on my face (which would build up by 11am) and plotted opportunities to run to the bathroom between calls to touch up a blemish. My dermatologist added Spironolactone to my regimen as many women pair it with birth control to offset hormonal acne. For me, it never made any difference to my skin and beyond that I didn’t like the way my body felt. My Breaking Point In 2020, I made the decision to stop taking my birth control pills. A few months later my acne was at its all time worst. No place on my face was considered off limits, but my cheeks were the worst covered with painful deep cysts. Just as one would heal, another one would pop up. It was leaving terrible marks all over my face. I did not know what to do; nothing was helping me and I did not want to go back to the drugs that were no longer agreeing with my body. Feeling like I tried everything, I was desperate. I went down a blackhole on Instagram searching for advice and came across an account who claimed to be “The Skin Coach”. There were dozens of testimonials that claimed she cured their skin, using only natural methods. Mesmerized and hopeful, I submitted a $800 deposit to secure my spot in her next “cohort” for a 8 week acne skin coaching program. I learned her approach was for me to order $300 worth of skincare products, vitamins and other natural remedies off her Amazon storefront and adhere to an extremely strict diet. I was to submit weekly photos showing my “progress”. When things didn’t improve, this coach asserted the only reason I wasn’t seeing results was that I must not be fully adhering to her program and that my genetics were not a factor…guilt tripping me into the idea that I was in control my skin. My Turning Point The terrible post-birth control acne eventually subsided, but I still had a variety of cysts, whiteheads and blackheads ongoing. My skin was accumulating more and more marks and scars. The discoloration under my skin was getting challenging to conceal under makeup. Searching for help yet again, I read about how blue light therapy can reduce the bacteria on your skin that causes acne. I decided to try a new dermatology office on a whim, and made an appointment at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology with, Whitney Hersh, PA-C. Whitney was extremely honest and straight with me from the start, which made me like her instantly. She said blue light therapy wasn’t going to make the impact on my skin I was looking for, and if I wanted to try it, I was better off at buying an at-home device. Expecting her to go down the list of alternatives I had heard 100x over, she actually suggested something I had never heard of before - the AviClear Laser. What is AviClear? An innovation from the well established laser company Cutera, AviClear is the first of its kind FDA approved laser specific to fighting acne. AviClear targets your overactive sebaceous glands (i.e. the oil producing culprits which clog pores and produce pimples) and suppresses them, eliminating acne at the source! The treatment consists of three 1-hour laser sessions each a month a part. Not covered by insurance, AviClear does have a hefty price tag at $3000. Naturally skeptical given my history, I was not immediately sold due to the fear of wasting my money on another dead end. However after a few months of research, prayer and encouragement from my family, I decided to try it. What is the AviClear Treatment like? Upon arriving to the office, I was instructed to wash my face twice with Dawn dish soap to fully remove any oil. Following that, they wiped my skin down in acetone and placed water soaked gauze all over my face to rest for a few minutes prior to starting the treatment. The laser itself felt like a rubber band snapping against my face, with some areas more painful than others. Once it was over, I was pretty red, and but just avoided the sun and putting on any makeup for the rest of the day. The downtime was minimal! After the first treatment, I noticed a change in my skin instantly. My skin was still oily, but I wasn’t needing to pull out an oil blotter until the early afternoon vs the standard 11AM. The pimples I did get were not only less frequent, but less severe and healed faster. To my delight, things only continued to improve after the second and third treatment. AviClear suggests you’ll see your full results 6 months following your final session. It really became clear to both Whitney and I that all the hormonal treatments I had done (birth control, Spironolactone, diet changes) never worked for me because my acne was not primarily driven by hormones. My significant oil production was one thing, but it was also the type of thick and easily clogged sebum my skin secreted. After administering the laser treatment to patients with various types of acne, Whitney said my skin was the most ideal candidate for AviClear. They don’t fully know how long AviClear results will last (clinical trial patients are still experiencing clear skin 2 years out), but I’m incredibly encouraged as they are also looking to approve follow up AviClear treatments for maintenance. [gallery link="file" columns="2" size="large" ids="24636,24637"] Life After AviClear While I still carry oil blotters with me, and get the occasional small pimple, it’s nothing I can’t manage. I’m slowly growing accustomed to looking at myself in the mirror in the morning to see a clear complexion. It’s natural instinct to scan my face every day for blemishes, but I am continually surprised to find nothing of interest. I’m also using a retinol to help clear turn over new skin cells and reduce my dark marks. This past Christmas, being able to take a trip to Florida to stay at my in-laws house, and come down in the morning for breakfast without putting on a full face of makeup was nearly impossible for me to comprehend. But this is my wonderful new reality. If you are fighting acne, and feel any amount of the physical and mental pain, shame, ugliness and hopelessness I did, I encourage you to explore AviClear as an option with your dermatologist. This laser may not be the one-size-fits-all solution for everyone, but I share my story so that it may bring more awareness to it as an avenue for others struggling and searching for an answer. We all deserve to feel confident in our own skin.

Our Blog

How young is “too young”, to use retinol? Interview w/ Dr. Solomiya Grushchak, MD, FAAD, FACMS

Gifts for the mother in your life

The Best Non-Surgical Treatments for Deep Wrinkles

5 Great Tummy Tuck Alternatives

How to Lift Sagging Cheeks Without Surgery

Booking Now For Medical Weight Loss!

Defy Aging Virtual Event 2024!

Welcome Dr. Jennifer Croix!

After 20 years, I finally found something that cured my acne!

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