A Derm PA’s Favorite In-Office Treatments
I recently did a podcast episode on my journey to becoming a dermatology physician assistant. One of the main questions I have received since, is what sort of in-office treatments do I recommend the most (and personally get myself)! I want to start off by saying these are completely optional and are by no means necessary to having healthy/glowing skin. However, for those interested in treatments or who are just generally curious in leveling up their skincare, I am going to give a little detail on what I love!
To begin, I think it’s important to note that with the evolution of dermatological technologies, the options are vast! It’s important to research what you are looking to achieve and what options make the most sense for you (it is definitely not a one size fits all situation). My favorite quote is from podcast guests Jillian Gottlieb who said it best: fall in love with a provider, not a machine. All that to say, find a provider you trust and have an open conversation with them rather than calling around for a device or laser you *think* you need. With all of this being said, here are a few treatments that I find particularly transformative for myself and my patients. I should also mention that this blog will go into a little more detail of the science behind the treatments and how they work! If this interests you, keep on reading!
Microneedling with PRP
Without a doubt, one of my top treatments is Microneedling with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma). I find this especially beneficial for patients in their 20s to 40s who are seeking to improve skin texture, improve collagen, reduce fine lines or reduce the appearance of acne scarring.
Essentially, the procedure involves using a device with fine needles to create micro-punctures in the skin, which initiates a natural healing process by stimulating collagen production. Adding PRP, derived from your own blood, enhances this effect. The growth factors in PRP accelerate the healing process and boost the regenerative effects of microneedling. What’s truly incredible about this treatment is that clinical studies have shown that combining PRP with microneedling can lead to a 400% increase in collagen and elastin. To see significant improvements, I usually suggest 3-4 treatments.
Chemical Peels
If you have been curious about in-office treatments (or have received one), there is a high probability that you have heard of a chemical peel. For anybody not familiar, chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to the skin to remove the outer layers. There’s a multitude of reasons I personally love them, but one of the main reasons being chemical peels can be tailored to meet the specific needs of one’s skin type or concern.
For example, those just dipping their toes into the world of treatments, I find light peels to be ideal. They require minimal downtime and gently exfoliate the skin, making them perfect for a little skin refresh (I especially love this option before special events). Medium peels go a little deeper, targeting fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation issues with more pronounced results. For clients with significant skin concerns like deep wrinkles or scars, I typically recommend deep peels. These intensive treatments offer the most dramatic results, smoothing out deeper imperfections and providing results that can very impactful but must be done under extreme care in the right hands.
Similar to microneedling, my first personal experience with a chemical peel was to address my own acne marks and I can honestly say they made such an impact in smoothing out my skin. Now that my marks have decreased substantially, I typically just get a peel when I need a little boost before a big event (with plenty of time to heal in between). Ultimately, chemical peels are a versatile, effective option for anyone looking to improve their skin’s health and appearance significantly.
Neuromodulator Injections (Botox/Dysport)
If you’ve been following me for a minute, you have probably heard me talk about my experience and opinion on Neuromodulators like Botox and Dysport. While they are by no means mandatory or necessary, the results they create cannot be replicated by any other product or treatment! They are incredibly effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles. These treatments work by temporarily blocking nerve signals to the muscles, softening dynamic wrinkles and preventing the formation of new ones.
I also want to use this as an opportunity to state that there’s a common misconception that treatments like Botox will always leave you with a frozen or unnatural appearance. However, the reality is that the outcome of these injections can vary greatly depending on the skill of the injector, the units used, and where it is applied. This is why I always suggest doing your research first. Don’t be afraid to ask your injector questions and vocalize what you want/don’t want. Most individuals starting out, including myself, begin with injections between the eyebrows, the forehead, and around the eyes depending on your specific areas of concern. I also think it should be noted that botox is often used for other concerns as well. Masseter botox (aka jaw botox) has helped my TMJ/jaw tension immensely.
Vascular Laser Treatments
Rosacea has been a huge topic with my followers recently, so I had to include this! Vascular Laser Treatments is one of my first suggestions for patients dealing with redness, rosacea, or visible blood vessels. Technologies like the Vbeam Perfecta and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) work by targeting the blood vessels causing discoloration without damaging the surrounding skin. I have seen some significant improvements with these treatments (VBeam being my personal favorite) including reducing redness and “broken blood vessels”, lightening acne marks, and evening out skin tone.
Vbeam, in particular, is known for its ability to target and diminish the redness associated with conditions like rosacea. It requires several treatments for optimal results, but the downtime is minimal, and the process is typically well tolerated by patients.
I hope that reading about some of the treatments I love and swear by helps you in your treatment research! Remember, these are by no means necessary, but if you are interested, it’s important to do your research and find the treatment that fits your needs best! DM me with any and all questions!
Hungry for more? Check out my Comprehensive Skincare Guide in the Skinthusiast Shop!
**Disclaimer: This post does not constitute medical advice. Please speak to your Dermatology provider before adding any at home procedures or products into your routine!
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