Doctors Eugene and Steven Mandrea, Board Certified Dermatologists, offer a wide array of rejuvenation techniques inChicago, Palos Heights and Park Ridge.

Non Invasive Rejuvenation Techniques

1. Skin Rejuvenation using Thermage

Thermage consists of Radiofrequency applied on lower power than originally, many more passes than originally. This way, there is less pain and more effectiveness. We also offer Eyes by Thermage to treat redundant eyelids and puffy eyelids and Tummy by Thermage for reducing the waist circumference.

2. Skin Rejuvenation using Refirme

A combination of Radiofrequency and Infrared Light, a synergistic approach to heating the dermis and thus tightening the skin.

3. Skin Rejuvenation using Isolaz, the new, 2nd generation Aesthera device

Isolaz is the fastest working and least painful Intense Pulsed Light machine. It clears red and brown spots as well as uneven skin tone and Melasma. Isolaz is also an excellent form of treatment for Rosacea (especially difficult cases), Acne Rosacea and regular Acne. We often combine Botox with Isolaz I.P.L. and sometimes we add Diolite to erase facial spider veins.

4. Skin Rejuvenation using Photodynamic Treatment

Recently, Photodynamic treatment has been introduced as a form of rejuvenation, although it is mainly used in the treatment of multiple precancerous skin growths (Actinic Keratoses).

Aminolevulinic acid, a byproduct of red blood cell degradation, can turn into a toxic chemical if certain wavelengths are applied to it. In Photodynamic therapy, it is applied to the skin, where it is absorbed preferentially into the fast dividing cells of the precancerous growths. After waiting 45 to 60 minutes, a special lamp is directed to the skin, the toxic chemical (Protoporphyrin) is produced and the precancerous tissue is thus destroyed, with mild discomfort, similar to a sunburn for 2-4 days. Incidentally, it was found that the patients' skin looks younger after this procedure.

Photodynamic treatment has been shown microscopically to increase the deposition of Collagen type1 in the dermis, thereby promoting a more youthful appearance of the skin. At least 2 studies have shown that, compared with Intense Pulsed Light alone, Photodynamic Treatment (Intense Pulsed Light and Aminolevulinic acid) in the treatment of wrinkles and diffuse pigmentation showed superior results.

Invasive Techniques

1. Skin Rejuvenation using Laser Resurfacing

Laser Resurfacing with the CO2 Laser is very effective for treating wrinkles, acne scars and surgical scars. It consists of very rapid pulses of light beamed to the skin with the result of vaporizing only the specific spot that the light touches, without injuring or even heating any of the surrounding spots. With the Computer Pattern Generator, the entire face can be treated in 1 hour. Local anesthesia is necessary. We often combine Botox with laser resurfacing.

Injectable Fillers Rejuvenation Techniques

1. Skin Rejuvenation using Botox

This neuromuscular Toxin is very well tolerated in the appropriate dose. It is quite effective in a wide range of patient ages. It can be and often is used in combination with Laser Resurfacing.

2. Skin Rejuvenation using Sculptra

A solution of Polylactic acid is injected into the subcutaneous tissue (subdermally). It has been used with much success in the treatment of fat loss, at first in AIDS patients then in numerous healthy patients who desired reversing the thinning of the skin caused by aging.

It is extremely safe, inasmuch as absorbable sutures, used for decades in surgery, are made of Polylactic acid. Polylactic acid is made of numerous molecules of Lactic acid found in Yogurt. We use it to correct sunken cheeks and to correct certain cases of dark eye circles. We also use it in conjunction with subcision for correction of acne scars and certain surgical scars. We sometimes combine Botox (for Forehead wrinkles) with Sculptra (for melolabial folds and marionette lines). Please also see the special Sculptra and Subcision sections on our website.

3. Skin Rejuvenation using Juvederm and Restylane

Juvederm and Restylane are injectable preparations of cross-linked Hyaluronic acid, which makes up the most part of the ground substance in which the Collagen and Elastic Fibers are located (in the Dermis). Juvederm is more concentrated than Restylane. Due to the unique method of crosslinking, Juvederm is more long-lasting and is also easier to inject.

We use Juvederm and Restylane to improve the melolabial folds (between the nose and cheeks) and marionette lines. We can also combine Juvederm with Botox.

4. Skin Rejuvenation using Radiesse

Radiesse is a long term (but not permanent) filler made up of Calcium Hydroxyapatite (a calcium salt), crystals suspended in a gel. It does not need a prior test, since it is not allergenic. Radiesse is approved for treatment of facial folds and wrinkles, as well as for treatment of the severe facial lipoatrophy seen in patients with HIV infection. Pain: Moderate. Mitigated by ice packs or nerve blocks. We can also combine Radiesse with Botox.

Occasionally, we can combine all of the above with Diolite to erase facial spider veins.

All the above procedures are performed by or under the supervision of Drs Eugene and Steven Mandrea, Board Certified Dermatologists.

Pixel Fractional resurfacing Laser