Cosmetic Dermatology Department

Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic

With aging, the skin gets thinner and takes a dull, pale and matt appearance due to environmental factors like the solar ultraviolet radiation and genetic background and food habits. Brown spots appear and pores become prominent in areas exposed to sun. Wrinkles and loosening occur due to weakening of the connective tissue.

At the Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic of Anadolu Medical Center we offer treatment services using different methods for each problem caused by aging.

The following services are provided at Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic:

• Skin rejuvenation
• Treatment of acne scars
• Treatment of cracked skin
• Botox
• Hand, neck and chest rejuvenation methods
• Dermapen
• Hydrafacial MD

What is a Dermapen?

A reliable skin rejuvenation method

It is a method which is used to treat the deep skin without damaging, pealing, or irritating the epidermis, the valuable upper layer of the skin. With this method which offers a reliable rejuvenation option for the skin, the person does not have to be isolated from social and business life.

In which areas is Dermapen used?

Dermapen is used for skin tightening, treatment of fine lines and wrinkle, treatment of lines around the mouth caused by smoking, reduction of enlarged pores, reduction of the prominence of acne scars, surgery and burn scars, and treatment of several dermatological problems including pregnancy cracks.

How is Dermapen applied?

Prior to application, makeup residues in the skin are cleansed and the skin is disinfected. Pure hyaluronic acid is applied to the region where Dermapen is to be used. Thanks to ultra-fine micro needles (0.02 mm) of the Dermapen device which enter and exit the skin vertically with a high speed, microscopic channels are opened on the surface of the skin and healing mechanisms are triggered. This procedure which lasts for about 30-40 minutes provokes the synthesis of “collagen” and " elastin” which are inevitable for the firmness and elasticity of the skin, and enhances the blood circulation. A peptide mask with a soothing effect is applied after the procedure.

Minimum 4 sessions with 4-week intervals are recommended. Applications can be repeated for time periods recommended by the doctor.

What is a micro needle?

Application of needles to the skin for cosmetic purposes can be traced back to the ancient Chinese medicine. Information about the first practices is found in the era of the Sui Dynasty (AD 581-618). It is known that a device consisting of 7 micro needles was used to beautify the princesses. The discovery of rejuvenation using micro needles by the Western medicine was started by Dr. Andre Camirand, a Canadian plastic surgeon, when he noticed that, in patients who were applied a tattoo to camouflage the traces left by “face lift”, the traces were not only camouflaged but also reduced. When Dr. Camirand used the tattoo gun without ink, he observed that scars healed. In the first scientific publications on the subject between 1992 and 1994, the positive effect of the method not only on surgery scars but also skin rejuvenation was demonstrated.

The method of rejuvenation and treatment of scars by micro needles which was overlooked for a long period thereafter returned back in 2000s, first with the mechanical roller and then with "Dermapen", a quite practical and effective method.

Inducing the own healing mechanisms of the skin, this reliable method enables to have a firmer and brighter skin. The method is known to be effective on fine lines, wrinkles, crows feet, and barcode lines around the lip. In addition, it reduces the prominence of acne and varicella scars, skin cracks and surgery scars.

Benefits of the Dermapen method

• Unlike the conventional laser methods, this method ensures rejuvenation of the skin by stimulating the deep skin without causing heat damage, i.e. burns, peeling or irritating the valuable upper layer of the skin.
• Since the upper layer of the skin is not damaged, the method can easily be applied in summer.
• It can also treat hard-to-reach sites like the side of the nose, the areas around the eyes and the lips.
• It can be used on all skin types for there is no spot or scar risk after the procedure.

For who is Dermapen indicated?

• It is indicated for all skin types.
• It represents a good alternative for patients with a dark skin who are not eligible for laser skin rejuvenation.
• It can also be applied to regions such as the neck and inner surfaces of the arms where the skin is very thin and which are avoided by several applications.

What is Hydrafacial MD?

Hydrafacial MD is a method that cleanses and hydrates the skin with sera applied to the skin. Where deemed necessary, the option of using peeling and phototherapy in the same session is a feature distinguishing this method from others. Suitable for all skin types, this method is even tolerated by the most sensitive skin.

In which cases is Hydrafacial MD used?

• Congested and enlarged pores
• Oily skins
• Acnes
• Hydration of dry skin
• Sun damage
• Fine lines
• Uneven skin tone

4 in one in Hydrafacial MD;

Vortex extraction: Moisturizes the deep skin, while cleansing the pores and eliminates uneven tones

HydroPeel: Peels the upper layers of the skin without causing irritation.

Painless and irritation-free blackhead and pore cleansing: Cleanses blackheads and whiteheads (open-closed comedons), excessively oily and enlarged pores quickly, without pain and irritation.

Vortex-Fusion: Thanks to its special spiral design, moisturizing solutions, anti-oxidants and peptides are applied to the skin.

Suitable even for the most sensitive skin types, this method allows putting on makeup after the application and the person can return to his/her normal daily activities.

What is skin rejuvenation?

Thinning and wrinkles of the skin, dull, colorless and matt appearance, brown spots, loss of natural contour of the chin, loose skin, enlarged pores, enlarged veins are the major signs of skin aging. Every problem brought by ageing is separately handled and treated.

• Thin skin, wrinkles, dull, colorless and matt appearance: To eliminate this problem, BBL technology, chemical peeling, mesolift, PRP, roller application, Botox and filling methods are used.
• Brown spots: BBL technology is especially used to heal hand spots.
• Loosening and loss of contour of the chin: In these cases, BBL technology and skin tightening are used.
• Enlarged pores: Roller is used in the treatment of enlargement in dermal pores.
• Enlarged vessels, redness in the face, rosacea: These problems are treated by BBL.

Skin rejuvenation with BBL technology

BBL is a technology that treats skin problems using light technology. In skin rejuvenation applications using BBL technology, a non-invasive, gentle and safe method, the light energy gently heats the upper layer of the skin, and the energy absorbed by the target tissues initiates a new collagen synthesis in dermal cells. In the treatment of brown spots, the pigment which produces the spots is decomposed by the light energy, and the spot is caused to fade. In the treatment of enlarged veins, redness and rosacea, enlarged veins are forced to close by light energy, and a fading in red color occurs. For a successful result, 3-6 sessions are recommended.

Skin tightening with BBL (Skintyte)

This method is recommended for persons who do not want effects such as redness, sensitivity after the procedure, but desire loosening to be prevented, and want a firmer skin. In BBL technology, the heating of collagen in the deep layers of the skin provides a tightening effect and triggers production of new collagen.

In BBL technology, collagen fibers in the dermis are contracted by heating which provides some firming effect. In addition, fibroblasts that become lazy with age are induced by heat, causing a new collagen synthesis and creating a firming effect in the skin. During the heating of the deep layers, the surface is strongly cooled and protected. Thus, the patient experiences a comfortable and safe treatment procedure.

As no healing period is necessary after the procedure, when BBL procedure which is a comfortable treatment method for the patient is completed, there may be a slight pinkness in the treatment site. However, the skin restores its normal tone in minutes. After the procedure, the patient can resume easily daily activities and can put up makeup.

Skin tightening with BBL is not an alternative to skin tightening using plastic surgery. Results may vary from patient to patient. It is recommended for persons who want a moderate, but a noticeable correction without surgery. Since collagen reformation occurs in up to four months, it is necessary to wait for a few months to see the first positive results.

Chemical peeling

Chemical peeling is a term which is used for chemical processes where rejuvenation is targeted by exfoliation of the surface of the skin. After the chemical peeling procedure, there is no peeling of the skin in the literal sense.

During the procedure, damage is induced on the upper layers of the skin using a chemical solution, and some sort of “wound” is created. The rejuvenatory effect of chemical peeling is based on inducement of a "wound healing process". The aim is to promote epithelial migration to the damaged region from the cutaneous appendages in the wound site, and to produce new collagen fibers and hyaluronic acid in the dermis from cells called fibroblasts. Thus, a new dermal connective tissue occurs.

The application depth and intensity differs according to the purpose of the chemical peeling procedure. The depth and intensity of the application changes subject to the strength of the chemical solution used and the duration of application. Although some chemical peelings are strong enough to lift the entire upper layer of the skin, today superficial peeling applications which have a lower damage capability are mostly used. This is because deeper peelings have now been replaced by laser methods under a doctor's supervision.

Mesolift (face, neck and chest mesotherapy)

With the impact of environment and structural factors like sunlight, smoking, etc., the skin develops a dull and matt appearance and spots. Mesotherapy is a preventive cosmetic dermatology application that aims to slow down the ageing process of the face, neck and hands. This method is intended to regain the constituents lost by the skin in time. This is a rejuvenation method in which revitalizing, bioactive products (hyaluronic acid, vitamins, amino acids) are gently administered to the skin. It is also known as the “fountain of youth” and “mesolift” The mesolift method;

• Delays ageing of the skin and appearance of the first wrinkles.
• The skin takes a natural appearance, brightness and elasticity in a short period of time.
• Enables to protect humidity of the young skin.
• Re-moisturizes mature dry skins.
• Helps to revitalize the mature skin that is worn and no longer lively due to natural ageing, ultraviolet lights, smoking and environmental pollution.
• Reduces fine wrinkles.

In the mesolift method, four sessions are held at 15-day intervals, and then maintenance therapy is applied as single sessions held once every three months. Effects are revealed starting from the first session. After two sessions, you have a firmer, brighter and moisturized skin. The effect is multiplied in the subsequent sessions. For the best results, it is recommended to be combined with bio-revitalization and superficial chemical peeling.

PRP

PRP is the short name of the treatment method called “Platelet Rich Plasma” application. Used in the skin rejuvenation, treatment of acne scars and hair loss, PRP is a rejuvenation method based on processing of the patient’s own blood and delivering it back to the same patient. Just like a classical blood test, blood is collected into a tube from a vein in the arm or the hand, and is then centrifuged. When the centrifuging process is completed, platelet rich plasma is separated from red blood cells. Platelet-rich plasma obtained using this method is injected to the cleansed skin as a filler or mesotherapy (application of small portions). Removal of wrinkles and lines is achieved not by "filling", but "rejuvenating" the skin.

The best thing about PRP is that no foreign substances which will later be decomposed in the body are injected, but rather collagen production is triggered by growth factors in the platelets. As the patient’s own blood is used, there is no risk of contagious diseases like HIV, hepatitis. In general, two-three sessions at four-week intervals are recommended.

Roller application

It is a method which triggers wound healing mechanisms of the body and as a result of which new collagen synthesis is achieved. A medical device called roller is used in skin rejuvenation, treatment of acne scars and cracked skin. When applied to the skin, the roller device opens micro channels on the skin with needles located on a cylindrical drum. These channels can be considered as type of passage opening to the subcutaneous region. Without causing any damage to the epidermis, the protective layer of the skin, during the application, we have thousands of open doors under the skin. These doors automatically close in 15 minutes, triggering release of growth factors and enhancing collagen and elastin production in the skin. Thus, not only the general quality of the dermal tissue but also the brightness and firmness of the skin are improved. While the patient has a younger and healthy appearance, the upper layer of the skin does not suffer any damage. Therefore, the patient is not isolated from social and business life. As the operation does not give rise to sensitivity to sunlight, there is no spot formation risk. The number of sessions changes from patient to patient, and varies according to the intensity of the problem, depth of the scars, and the length of the individual’s healing response.

Filling

Filling is a procedure which involves replacement of hyaluronic acid which is reduced with age. Hyaluronic acid enables the skin to remain full and moist thanks to its high water retention capability (1000 times of its weight). This procedure is a quite effective method in correcting fine and deep wrinkles caused by loosening of the skin, acnes, wound scars and some contours (like the lips). The procedure is applied by subcutaneous injection with a thin needle at certain depths subject to the depth of the wrinkles. All applied products are decomposed and destroyed by the body in six months. For this reason, the permanency of the filling materials varies between 6 and 12 months.

Treatment of acne scars

In the treatment of acne scars, "collagen synthesis" is induced to fill the hollow areas. For this purpose, roller application and PRP are the methods used.

Treatment of cracked skin

Cracks are tears that occur due to overextension of the skin in the dermis. The roller application is benefited from in the removal of hard-to-treat cracks.

What is Botox?

Botox is a highly purified protein obtained from a bacterium called “clostridium botolinum”. Botox which serves as a myelorelaxant when injected into the muscles and deep tissues of the skin is used to treat different problems such as mimic wrinkles or excessive sweating.

How is botox application for mimic wrinkles?

Botox shows its action by preventing partially and temporarily the transmission of nerve signals to the muscles. Therefore, the excessive activity of muscles which causes formation of mimic wrinkles is prevented. 1-2 weeks should elapse in order for the application to reveal its maximum effect.

Regions where botox is most commonly used for its ability to soften mimic wrinkles and to reduce depth wrinkles:

• Vertical lines between two eyebrows
• Crows feet
• Vertical lines on the forehead.

The toxin effect starts after 48 hours. The application should be repeated at 3-6 month intervals. This period may be prolonged when the application is performed at regular intervals.

How is botox application for excessive sweating treatment?

Excessive sweating which is called primary hyperhidrosis occurs locally in the palms, soles and armpits. Excessive sweating develops as a result of increased physical activity, not growth of sweat glands. In patients with excessive sweating, both basal sweat production and stress-based sweat production are high. Excessive sweating is triggered by excitement and stress. Patients report that they generally experience this problem when they are awake, not asleep. While sweating in the palms and the soles first occurs childhood, sweating in the armpits occurs in adolescence. About 60-80 of the patients have familial sweating history. Primary hyperhidrosis is a problem both in summer and winter, however it can be more disturbing in summer and even so distressing to affect social life.

In selected patients in whom no result is achieved with this method, surgical techniques can be employed as a last resort. The first options for the excessive sweating of the palms and soles are externally applied antiperspirants, iontophoresis method (slowing sweating production down with electric current and mineral particles) and short-term oral treatment in selected patients. If symptoms cannot be reduced, botox injections and as a last resort surgical methods can be tried.

How is Botox applied?

If excessive sweating is in the armpit, first topical antiperspirant solutions and creams are used. If no response is obtained, small doses of botox are injected intracutaneously. Botox temporarily blocks chemical signals from nerve fibers from accessing and inducing sweat glands, and thus prevents sweat production. It is injected with a fine needle to 15-20 points in the armpit. Its effect lasts for 4-12 months. It is a minimal invasive procedure in which the period of action is prolonged with repeated applications.

Hand, neck and chest rejuvenation

The skin in the hands, neck and chest is defeated by time for reasons such as the skin in these regions being thinner and less elastic than the face, sabecaeous glands being fewer, or the fact that these regions are poor in terms of subcutaneous sabecaous tissue. These regions are also more sensitive to chronological ageing and external effects like the sun and irritant products.

What are the signs of ageing in the hands, neck and chest?

• In the hands; brown spots, prominence of veins and bones and wrinkles due to reduced fullness
• In the neck and chest; thin lines and wrinkles, brown spots, enlarged or prominent veins
• Loss of the contour of the chin
• Loosening in the skin of the neck

What can you do to prevent early ageing of the hands, neck and chest?

• Use gentle cleansers instead of irritant and drying products.
• To lighten the spots on the skin and to eliminate wrinkles by increasing collagen synthesis, use moisturizing creams containing antioxidants like vitamin C, idebenone, coffee beans in the daytime, and retinoic acid-containing products at night.
• Do not forget to apply sunscreens that you use to protect your face from the harmful solar rays also to your neck, chest and hands.
• Avoid solariums.

Which skin rejuvenation methods are used for the hand, neck and chest?

1. Fighting brown spots

Also called “age spots”, these stains can be treated easily using BBL technologies.

How are stains cleansed with BBL technology?

The spots are concentrations of melanin pigments in the skin. BBL technology targets the pigment and causes it to decompose. At the same time it triggers collagen synthesis in the skin and helps the skin to regain its elasticity and smooth tissue. Fast and painless, these applications do not prevent the patient’s daily life.

Subject to skin type and pigment density, sessions are continued at 3-4 week intervals until the targeted fading is achieved. Patients shortly notice that fine lines have been reduced, let alone fading, and their skin has gained a firm and smooth structure.

2. Dryness, fine wrinkles and dull appearance

With the reduction of collagen and hyaluronic acid, major constituents of the skin, the skin becomes drier, thinner, and wrinkles appear. The methods that will regenerate the hyaluronic acid lost by the skin by triggering collagen synthesis and help it regain its lively and bright appearance are mesotherapy and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) methods.

• Mesotherapy: Pure hyaluronic acid is applied to the hands, neck and chest in three sessions.
• PRP: It is a method in which platelet cells obtained from the person’s own blood are delivered back to the skin, thus, inducing intensive release of growth factor and triggering collagen synthesis. It is applied in the form of 3-4 sessions at two-week intervals.

3. Loss of contour of the chin, loosening in the skin of the neck

Non-surgical skin tightening method via BBL technology is used for the treatment of loose skin under the chin and around the neck. Easily tolerated by patients, this method is applied in three sessions at three-week intervals.

4. Hands with enlarged veins and bones

Starting from thirties, bones and veins become more prominent and hands seem old with the reduction of sebaceous tissue and fullness in the hands. Thanks to the filling materials injected into the hands, the hand becomes full again, and the prominence of structures like bones, veins which cause the hand to look old is reduced.