Microdermabrasion is a powerful new skin peeling technology which uses a stream of fine micro-crystals to gently exfoliate the skin revealing a new, fresh skin beneath. Microdermabrasion is one of the most exciting and sought after medical cosmetic procedures today. Microdermabrasion is indicated for treatment of the following:

• Fine lines & wrinkles
• Pigment irregularities
• Age spots
• Enlarged pores
• Dry, sun-damaged complexion
• Acne and acne scars
• Stretch marks

Microdermabrasion is very safe and effective for all skin types and skin colors, and is performed with minimal or no discomfort. Like many of our procedures, patients may have a microdermabrasion treatment and return immediately to work or play with minimal downtime required.

BOTOX® Cosmetic is commonly used to reduce or eliminate the appearance of facial wrinkles. It is injected under the skin into areas surrounding the eyes, forehead and mouth to smooth crow's feet, frown and worry lines, and lines on the neck. Made from a purified protein, BOTOX® injections block nerve impulses, weakening muscles to relax wrinkles and give the face a rejuvenated look. BOTOX® may also be useful for migraine headaches, excessive sweating, and eye and neck muscle spasms.

You may have rosacea. Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that causes redness and swelling on the face. The scalp, neck, ears, chest, back and/or eyes may also be affected. Symptoms range from red pimples, lines and visible blood vessels to dry or burning skin and a tendency to flush easily. Many people find that the emotional effects of rosacea - such as low self-confidence and avoidance of social situations - are more difficult to handle than the physical ones. Although it can affect anyone, rosacea typically appears in light-skinned, light-haired adults aged 30-50. It is not yet known what causes rosacea and the disease is not curable, although it can be treated with topical and oral medications, laser therapy or laser surgery.

If you're like most people with rosacea, the first sign is usually rosy cheeks. As it progresses, the face may get red in patches and stay red for hours or days at a time, and, eventually, the redness doesn't go away at all. Rosacea is a chronic condition, and that means the symptoms may come and go in cycles and fluctuate in their degree of severity. Because of this, many people mistake their rosacea for things like sunburn, windburn, a complexion change or acne and don't bother to see a doctor. Dermatologists think that early treatment can keep rosacea from getting worse - even prevent blood vessels from enlarging or rhinophyma from developing.

Dr. Barba can help you select the treatment that is just right for you. Laser treatment can eliminate broken blood vessels and decrease redness. Dr. Barba uses a state-of-the-art laser called the Vbeam to safely treat broken blood vessels. Prescription medications can help clear the acne.

Unfortunately, genetics and hormones play a major role in the formation of veins; however, there are some strategies that you can try. Sitting or standing for any length of time will exacerbate veins. I recommend changing positions frequently or pumping calf muscles every 15 minutes. Wear support hose, if you have to be on your feet for hours. Of course, exercise is a must. Avoid crossing your legs when sitting and avoid wearing high heels.

While the next strategies will not prevent veins, they may ease the conditions and minimize their discomfort. You might try to take a supplement of 500 mg of vitamin C and 400 IU of vitamin E. Topical vitamin K cream may be helpful. Regular massage is also helpful. Remember, if veins do develop have them treated early. I use lasers to treat leg veins.

There is some research showing that administration of systemic estrogens may prevent the decline in skin collagen. Additionally, estrogens may add some protection against dry skin and wrinkles. In a study of topical estrogens, a decrease in fine wrinkling was observed as well as increased skin thickness. I think that the studies are promising, but more studies are needed. In the meantime, there are a number of very good topical vitamin therapies and creams that help to maintain moisture in the skin. At night apply Retin-A®, Renova® or topical vitamin lotions. During the day, apply a moisturizer, vitamin C and wear sunscreen to protect the skin. Don't neglect the hands, chest and neck when using creams.

Laser skin resurfacing, commonly called a laser peel, removes the outer, often damaged layer of skin for a smoother, younger look.

Laser resurfacing can reduce the appearance of sun damage, wrinkles, fine lines, uneven pigmentation and superficial scarring, usually on the face.

A carbon dioxide (CO2) laser beam of intense, precisely-focused light vaporizes the surface skin and reveals the undamaged layer beneath.

The procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to two hours depending on the size and severity of the area being treated and whether it is combined with other procedures such as a browlift or eyelid surgery for even more dramatic results.

Excessive hair growth may arise from puberty, pregnancy, menopause, heredity, medication, diseases or many other causes.

Lasers produce highly focused, intense beams of light that are absorbed by dark pigments in the hair follicles beneath the skin's surface and converted to heat, destroying the follicles and preventing hair growth for up to two years.

Multiple treatments are required for complete hair removal because the follicle must be "active" at the time of treatment and not all follicles are active at the same time.

Not usually. Treatments are needle-free and anesthesia-free, with most patients feeling nothing more than a slight sting like the snap of a rubber band.