Ask Dr. Koo
Dr. Michele Koo wants you to know that there are many options available to you to rejuvenate your face and skin that do NOT require surgery. Dr. Koo feels that the most effective treatment and the most value for your money can often be achieved with select physician-formulated medical strength skin products and treatments available in her office.
Dr. Koo's office has very specialized physician-formulated products that you can use to refresh the dull, sallow sun- and age-damaged skin. Dr. Koo has an entire spectrum of products and procedures that will address your skin needs, from acne to deep sun damage. She will personally diagnose and analyze your skin needs and provide the necessary treatments and products for your skin concerns.
Aesthetic Surgery Institute, LTD is able to refine the appearance and texture of the skin's surface using non-surgical procedures.
Microdermabrasion - Collagen - Retin-A - NeoStrata - N-Lite - BOTOX®/Fillers
Microdermabrasion improves mild to moderate sun damage, scarring, wrinkles and other superficial skin problems. A gentle stream of tiny particles exfoliates the outer layer of skin and provides a fresh, glowing, younger appearance. The particles scrape away the surface layer of aging or damaged skin, which is then brushed off with the microdermabrasion vacuum tool with no need for anesthesia. Only a small amount of skin is removed, so sensitive areas such as the face, chest, neck, arms and hands can be treated. Results are comparable to a light chemical peel and should be immediately visible. Microdermabrasion is often performed in conjunction with other skin renewal procedures, such as laser treatment and chemical peels. Multiple treatments are recommended for full effect.
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein found in the second layer of skin (the dermis) which "plumps up" the skin, joints, bones and ligaments. Injections counteract the effects of gravity, sun exposure and years of facial muscle movement by filling out sunken areas and smoothing lines for a rejuvenated look. Results may begin to fade in a few months, depending on the patient's age, genetic background, skin quality, lifestyle and body site. Because of this, and because injections cannot improve severe wrinkles or deep folds, the procedure is often combined with facial resurfacing or plastic surgery for more a satisfying and longer-lasting outcome.
Retin-A (Retinoic Acid) is used to improve the appearance and texture of the skin. It produces a mild, superficial peel of the skin. The major benefit is to decrease the effects of sunlight caused aging by increasing the speed with which the surface cells of the skin are replaced.
NeoStrata's AHA technology reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles making skin look younger and more radiant. NeoStrata products are scientifically formulated with either Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) and/or Poly Hydroxy Acid (PHA) to effectively reduce the signs of aging and sun damage. NeoStrata offers a broad selection of products so that patients can gradually step up to higher concentrations for more dramatic results.
Lasers work by bouncing light back and forth in between mirrors and lenses, increasing the strength with each cycle. When the beam of light is at the desired power it is released. The laser beam causes a carefully controlled burn that can be used for various procedures. Lasers have gained acceptance, over the past several years, as the best alternative to traditional treatments.
The N-Lite laser treatment for wrinkle reduction is a non-invasive procedure that does not require anesthesia. It does not wound the surface of the skin and does not require post operative treatment. The light from the N-Lite laser is targeted on the tissue under the skins surface resulting in new collagen growth. This growth fills in the depressions under wrinkles resulting in the reduction of creases in the wrinkled surface. Treatments can take as little as 10 minutes or as long as 30 minutes depending on the area and the number of wrinkles to be treated. There is no pain associated with this treatment although some patients may feel a slight warming sensation.