The UAB Cosmetic Dermatology & Laser Clinic offers the latest in surgical and non-surgical procedures designed to remove or minimize undesirable features of the skin on your face and neck, to achieve a healthier, more youthful appearance. Some of our most popular and advanced treatments are described below.
Injectables
BOTOX®, Dysport®, and Xeomin® are neuromodulators that temporarily relax specific muscles by blocking the nerve impulses to them. As the treated muscles relax, wrinkles and lines created by their contraction gradually fade and sometimes even disappear completely. The earlier patients start BOTOX®, the smoother their faces will appear as they age.
Over time, the face loses bone, fat, elastin, and collagen under the skin, especially in fit individuals. Hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, and polylactic acid dermal fillers replace the lost volume due to age or weight loss. Belotero, Juvederm, Radiesse, Restylane, and Sculptra are just a few examples of the dermal fillers used in our clinic. Women and men can trust our experienced doctors to restore this lost volume with dermal filler treatments, resulting in a natural, more youthful look.
KYBELLA® is an FDA-approved, non-surgical treatment that specifically targets localized fat under the chin. Excess fat beneath the chin often develops as a result of aging or heredity, making it difficult to shed even with diet and exercise.
Skin Resurfacing
Resurfacing procedures address irregular texture, wrinkles, lines, and acne scars using either lasers or exfoliant solutions. Two types of laser resurfacing procedures are available:
- Ablative procedures, which lead to both superficial and deep collagen remolding but do require social downtime. Examples of the types of laser resurfacing procedures and systems we use include Fraxel Repair, Fraxel Dual, Icon1520, and Icon2940. These systems target imperfections in the skin while reducing the impact on surrounding healthy tissue. The number of treatments and frequency varies with each approach.
- Non-ablative procedures, which lead to deep collagen remolding but require very little to no social downtime. We use the Elos Sublative and Icon 1540nm non-ablative laser treatments, which are two of the most effective light systems designed to address the tone and texture of the skin by reducing wrinkles, acne scarring, and melasma, and improving dull complexions in all skin types. For those of Fitzpatrick skin types 5-6, typically we use the Elos Sublative device, and for Fitzpatrick skin types 4 and below we use the Icon 1540nm non-ablative laser.
- The Elos technology utilizes radiofrequency energy as well as light to reduce redness and brown spots, making it safer for darker skin types and more effective on the deeper pigment in the skin.
- The Icon technology uses light energy, but a contact cooling device pushes that energy into the deep epidermal layers of the skin to also produce collagen, retexturize the skin, and reduce pigment similar to the Elos system.
HydraFacial
The HydraFacial is a luxurious facial rejuvenation treatment that exfoliates dead skin, extracts dirt and bacteria from the pores, and infuses moisture, vitamins, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid into the skin. Benefits of this multi-step procedure include rehydration of sun-damaged or aging skin and smoothing and firming of the skin, with no social downtime.
Skin Tightening
Thermage® CPT™ is a non-surgical radiofrequency procedure that tightens the skin and generates new collagen. With a vibrating handpiece, pulsating energy and cooling burst technology, this treatment ensures superior patient comfort. Over 1 million Thermage® CPT™ treatments have been performed worldwide. Unlike facelifts, Thermage® treatments offer a non-surgical way to treat and reduce the signs of aging, including mildly lax, wrinkled skin on the face and neck.
Photo Dynamic Therapy
Photo Dynamic Therapy (PDT) is a safe, non-surgical treatment used to improve dull, damaged skin, reduce active acne, and treat precancerous spots, known as actinic keratosis. PDT is known for removing many early pre-cancerous cells in the treatment area without leaving scars. It works on all skin types and also improves overall skin health and appearance in any area of the face or body.
The UAB Cosmetic Dermatology & Laser Clinic is led by fellowship-trained and board-certified dermatologists with extensive experience in both surgical and non-surgical/minimally invasive treatments. They use advanced technology and techniques designed to minimize pain and downtime. From acne, body fat, and wrinkles to spider veins, and rosacea, our clinic provides a wide range of solutions to address most skin conditions and help you look and feel your best. Our spa-like clinic is located in newly renovated, state-of-the-art space in the Whitaker Clinic of UAB Hospital and features convenient valet parking.
Our physicians and staff will work with you to design a treatment plan that gives you the maximum results and considers your individual circumstances and preferences. We offer specialized treatments for skin of color, including individuals from many different ethnic backgrounds such as Hispanic, African, Asian, Mediterranean, and even Caucasians with darker skin tones.
As part of UAB Medicine, our physicians and researchers are continually working to advance the field of cosmetic dermatology. UAB was the first in Alabama to offer non-invasive laser treatments such as the Fraxel system, which dramatically decreases wrinkles and smooths skin. We also were the first in the state to offer radio frequency vaginal rejuvenation and tightening, which can change your life. Unlike some discount cosmetic dermatology providers, we stress safety, effectiveness, and realistic expectations while focusing on achieving the most natural appearance. A physician is present for all procedures to help maximize results for even the most minimally invasive treatments.
