Skin Procedures
Patients seeking skin rejuvenation have a wide range of options when it comes to improving the appearance of their skin. Plastic surgeons have comprehensive training and knowledge of anatomy, understanding of wound healing, and methods to conceal or diminish the appearance of scars. The services offered by Dr. Andrade include removal of unsightly moles, cysts, skin tags and other benign and cancerous skin lesions. He also treats patients concerned about wrinkles with Botox, fillers, and permanent fat injections.
Removal of skin lesions
One of the most common consultations in Dr. Andrade’s practice is for removal of skin lesions. Patients with a lesion that is rapidly changing, bleeding, painful or otherwise symptomatic should first see their family doctor because some types or precancerous or cancerous lesions may be managed nonsurgically by a dermatologist. Patients who have chronic moles (nevi), skin tags, fibromas, cysts, lipomas, or other benign skin problems may prefer to contact the office directly without first seeing their family doctor. Removal of skin cancers is an OHIP-insured service but removal of benign lesions with no suspicion of malignancy or disease is not insured, and fees will apply.
There are a multitude of options to remove lesions but most of these techniques can be grouped into two broad categories: techniques that completely remove the lesion including the part that is below the surface of the skin, and others that only remove the visible part that protrudes above the skin surface. The risks, benefits and healing time are quite different depending on the technique used. Dr. Andrade is very familiar with the various treatment options and will provide advice based on patient preference and the physical examination.
Botulinum injections
Botulinum toxin injections provide an effective way to diminish the appearance of facial wrinkles. Botulinum toxin temporarily weakens facial muscles in the region where it is injected, which decreases wrinkling and furrowing of the overlying skin. Currently in Canada the only available brand is Botox, but there are several other botulinum products in development. Other options to treat facial wrinkles will be welcomed by patients and their physicians.
The most common areas treated with Botox in Dr. Andrade’s practice are frown lines between the eyebrows and upper nose, “crow’s feet” around the eyes, and forehead lines. Botox is injected in very small doses directly into the areas of concern. The procedure is generally very well-tolerated, takes only a few minutes, and requires no anesthetic. Most patients are pleased with the results, as reflected in the high percentage of patients who return to Dr. Andrade for repeat procedures. Side effects are very uncommon (< 1-2%) but may include bruising, infection, temporary drooping of the eyelids or double vision, allergy, or other rare problems. A small percentage of patients do not find Botox effective or they do not achieve the degree of improvement they are seeking. Botox usually lasts between 4-6 months but the duration varies for each patient.
Fillers
Deep furrows can be lessened with products that are injected into the tissues beneath each individual furrow. The most common areas of concern mentioned by Dr. Andrade’s patients include the deep folds that occur around the mouth when smiling, early jowls along the jawline, and creases between the eyebrows. There are dozens of products that can be used for these purposes, some of which are temporary and others providing some degree of permanent correction of furrows. A natural alternative to manufactured fillers involves harvesting a patient’s own fat (for example, from the “love handles” area) and injecting it into facial furrows.
The filler chosen will depend on each patient’s unique features, their preferences and Dr. Andrade’s suggestions. For further information regarding the fillers currently used in Dr. Andrade’s practice, please contact the office and we can provide more information.
