News Article

Skin Care

Dr. Bosshardt

Plastic surgery can be reasonably described as surgery of the body's largest organ; the skin. Skin is an amazing tissue. Without it we could not begin to exist as we do. It helps hold us together, protects us from everything from ultraviolet and infrared rays to germs. It allows for our freedom of movement, helps us regulate our internal temperature, and even manufactures critical nutrients such as vitamin D. Our skin defines and establishes our identity to those around us.

Because of it's constant exposure to the elements, skin is subject to constant trauma, irritation, and noxious elements in our environment. As a result, it is subject to aging and sun damage, more so than any other tissue. Consequences of this exposure include chronic acne, whiteheads and blackheads, wrinkles, pigmentation, large pores, a dull, coarse appearance, age spots, and, ultimately, skin cancer.

While very basic skin care, i.e. soap and water, may suffice for a few women (the "Ivory girl" comes to mind), most will benefit from a carefully assembled and consistently followed skin care program. Skin care has become a billion dollar industry in this country and abroad because women everywhere are seeking ways to retard or reverse some of the undesirable effects of aging.

At Bosshardt & Marzek PSA we believe that excellent skin care is an integral part of plastic surgery. When the skin is in the best condition it can be, patients get better results from any facial procedure, recover faster, and with fewer problems. Long term results and longevity of surgery are also improved. Sometimes a program of good skin care can avoid the need for surgery altogether.

There is no one program or product that is best for all patients. Therefore, flexibility is a must, as well as careful follow up to assess results. Almost all good programs include several basic elements: the use of alpha hyroxy acids, retin A, pigment stabilizers such as hydroquinones, moisturizers, and sun protection. In addition our aesthetician will recommend basic measures to improve skin health such as getting adequate health, cessation of smoking, and drinking enough water or fluids each day, among others.

Patients coming in for skin care will first undergo a careful evaluation by our aesthetician and based on this a program will be designed to produce the desired improvements. Typically, the program will include a fairly intense combination of home products and office treatments over a six to eight week period. This is because the normal skin cycle is about this long in most women and to be effective a program must target skin cells from the deepest layers on up. After this, once results are obtained, a maintenance program will be recommended to preserve the skin's appearance as much as possible for as long as possible. Some of our clients and patients have been with us for nearly ten years.

Because our program is administered under the supervision of our doctors, and because of the extensive training of our aesthetician, we can use products and treatments that are stronger, and therefore more effective, that can be safely used in salons. We believe that our skin programs are the next step up from salon programs and is perfect for those patients desiring something more, but who are not yet quite ready for some of the more extensive peels and procedures done by the doctors themselves.

We have selected what we feel are the best product lines and programs available and are please to offer Biomedic and Obagi products. We will also offer specific products from other companies if they are particularly effective. We constantly re-evaluate our skin care and as new and better products become available, we will add them to our armamentarium. No two people will respond alike to any skin care program and so all products are offered with a 100% unconditional money back guarantee. Consultations with our aesthetician are offered as a complimentary service of our practice to anyone who wishes this.

The goal of our skin care clinic is to produce visible results in every patient. As the ad for one company states, "When was the last time someone called you "baby face"?"
 

News Archives