Dr. Sax Blog

It’s a New Year, and it’s time for a New You, and what better way to relax, restore, and rejuvenate than to treat yourself to world class spa services at The Sanctuary at the Park in Sarasota, Florida. Offering luxurious spa services, The Sanctuary at the Park is overseen by board-certified dermatologist David Sax, MD.

Dr. Sax attended Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University and performed his residency at the University of Michigan Medical Center. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Sax has received multiple awards, including the Castle Connolly Top Doctor Award 2012 – 2018 and has been recognized by US News & World Report as one of the top dermatologists in the United States, and Sarasota Magazine named Dr. Sax as one of the area’s leading dermatologists 2012 – 2018. Dr. Sax also appeared on the Suncoast View to discuss various beauty treatments, and stated, “I am fortunate to have had such excellent training in dermatology and Mohs micrographic surgery for skin cancer. The techniques I’ve mastered help me provide comprehensive and highly effective care – from accurate diagnoses to precise surgical solutions…”

In the state-of-the-art tranquility of The Sanctuary at the Park, Dr. Sax evaluates each patient with compassion and understanding, and using his and his medical staff’s medical expertise and wide range of medical knowledge recommends the best course of treatment for every patient. Your next treatment The Sanctuary at the Park may include one of the following:

Chemical Peel

A chemical peel is one of the oldest cosmetic treatments performed in the world, and according to the American Society for Dermatology Surgery, “A chemical peel is a technique used to improve the appearance of the skin on the face, neck, or hands. A chemical solution is applied to the skin that causes it to exfoliate and eventually peel off. The new, regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin.” https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/Chemical-Peels, and according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons more than one million people received chemical peels in 2012. Per the 2012 ASPS President Gregory Evans, MD, “For the third consecutive year, the overall growth in cosmetic surgery continues to be driven by a significant rise in minimally-invasive procedures, while surgical procedures remain relatively stable…” According to the report the statistics for minimally invasive procedures were: Botox (6.1 million procedures, up 8 percent); Soft tissue fillers (2 million procedures, up 5 percent); Chemical peel (1.1 million procedures, up 2 percent); Laser hair removal (1.1 million procedures, up 4 percent); Microdermabrasion (974,000 procedures, up 8 percent).” https://www.medicaldaily.com/botox-fillers-and-chemical-peels-soar-new-heights-2012-244475.

Per the American Society for Dermatology Surgery, there are three types of chemical peels.
1. Superficial/lunchtime peel: Alpha-hydroxy acid or another mild acid is used to penetrate only the outer layer of the skin to gently exfoliate it. The treatment is used to improve the appearance of mild skin discoloration and rough skin as well as to refresh the face, neck, chest, or hands. Superficial peels take 1 -7 days to heal.

2. Medium peel: Glycolic or trichloroacetic acid is applied to penetrate the out and middle layers of skin to remove damaged skin cells. The treatment is used to improve age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. Requires 7 – 14 days to heal.

3. Deep peel: Trichloroacetic acid or phenol is applied to deeply penetrate the middle layer of skin to remove damaged skin cells. The treatment removes moderate lines, age spots, freckles, and shallow scars. Patients will see a dramatic improvement in skin appearance. The procedure is used on the face and only can be performed once. Requires 14 – 21 days to heal.

https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/Chemical-Peels

If you’re looking for a non-invasive way to refresh and renew your look, a chemical peel may be the right choice for you.

Vi Peel

The Vi peel is different, and more convenient, than other chemical peels in that it combats skin problems on a cellular level versus removing skin like a regular chemical peel. Originally developed to treat acne by using a combination of Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA), Tretinoic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Phenol, Vitamin C, and other minerals, a Vi peel produces brighter/tighter skin, a more even skin tone, and increased collagen production. The in-office process usually takes about 20 – 30 minutes to complete, and most patients experience only a mild stinging sensation. According to dermanet.org, the advantages of the Vi peel include:

1. Non-Invasive and Non-Surgical: Within the wider category of cosmetic skin treatments, Vi Peel represents an option that is nonsurgical and noninvasive…There are no injections or subcutaneous operations required for this procedure.

2. Moderate Chemical Peel: …less extreme than some other kinds of chemical peels that are commonly done. This allows some patients to feel safer about the process and limits any side effects that may occur.

3. No Recovery Time: …it’s generally not necessary for patients to experience a recovery time. That means it’s easy to fit a Vi Peel session into a busy day and arrange for ongoing treatments without worrying about delaying other activities.

4. Treatment for All Ages: …it was found effective in both teenage and older patients, giving a wider spectrum of use.

5. Treatment for Many Skin Types: Vi Peel has been shown to be effective for a range of skin tones and skin types.

6. Progressive Treatment Philosophy: The use of Vi Peel, according to its makers, promotes an underlying strategy for treating various skin conditions. This approach is modeled on a good combination of office visit procedures and good home care.

7. Potential Treatment for Weight-Loss Scarring: Some of the patients who have experienced cosmetic skin issues as a result of weight loss have been able to turn to Vi Peel procedures to minimize some of the impact of their extreme weight change.

https://www.dermanetwork.org/article/cosmetic-enhancements/7-reasons-to-choose-vi-peel

Furthermore, the Vi peel can be performed on the face, neck, chest, arms, back, and legs, it is less painful than other chemical peels, peeling is easily masked with moisturizer, and patients can return to normal activities immediately.

With the Vi peel, you can begin showing off your radiant and bright skin after only one week.

Dermaplaning

If your complexion appears dull or flaky or you experience acne due to clogged pores, Dermaplaning may be for you. Dermaplaning is also commonly used to treat deep acne scars. On average Dermaplaning will take less than an hour out of your day and the results are instantaneous. Dermaplaning is a facial treatment that exfoliates the skin (epidermis) by removing dead skin and vellus hair (peach fuzz) without the use of chemicals. Dermaplaning is a simple and safe treatment that gently glides a 25-centimetre (10 in) scalpel, called a dermatome, across the skin, removing the outermost layer of skin cells and hair from the face. According to John Hopkins Medicine, “The dermatome looks like an electric razor and has an oscillating blade that moves back and forth to evenly “skim” off the surface layers of skin that surround the craters, or other facial defects.”

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/dermatology/dermabrasiondermaplaning_85,P01108

If you are considering Dermaplaning, Cosmopolitan offers a few tips:

  • Dermaplaning is recommended for all skin types.
  • Dermaplaning will not make your hair grow back thicker or darker.
  • There is no downtime. Results are instantaneous.
  • Post-exfoliation, sun screen protection is a must.
  • Results last up to four weeks.
  • Trust only a medical professional to perform the procedure.

https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a13036262/dermaplaning-women-shave-face/

So, if you are looking for a non-invasive, quick option to brighter, healthier looking skin, Dermaplaning may be in your future.

Facials

One of the first things that comes to mind when an individual is considering a beauty treatment is a facial, and if you have less than perfect skin, a customized facial may work wonders for you. A customized facial is both relaxing and one of the most basic ways a person can maintain or update overall skin health. Customized facials are designed to address a wide range of skin problems including premature aging, dull and patchy complexion, or acne flareups. Customized facials can even address the issue of skin damage caused by environmental factors, and customized treatments cater to all skin types. Customized facials often include deep cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, and facial massage. Before beginning your facial, you will meet with our trained aesthetician who will perform a skin analysis. Your aesthetician has extensive training on how to treat a wide variety of skin tones and skin conditions. To get the full benefits of a custom facial, during your analysis, you will need to explain your thoughts and concerns about your skin. You will also have to voice your skin goals, which may include getting rid of fine lines that have begun to appear on your face, sun damage, or acne. Once you and your aesthetician have a better understanding of your current skin condition and what it will take to improve your overall skin tone, you can rest and relax knowing you are in highly trained hands and and enjoy your customized facial.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive treatment that uses a special applicator to gently sand away the thick, uneven outer layer of skin. Another technique includes spraying fine particles of aluminum oxide or sodium bicarbonate with a vacuum/suction to accomplish the same goal. Microdermabrasion is used to renew skin tone and texture and is considered a safe procedure for most skin types and colors. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, “Microdermabrasion helps to thicken your collagen, which results in a younger looking complexion. Collagen is a protein in your skin that’s abundant when you’re a child and makes skin appear taut and smooth. Collagen production declines as we age, resulting in looser, uneven skin.” The benefits of microdermabrasion include:

  • Improve age spots and black heads
  • Improve hyperpigmentation (patches of darkened skin)
  • Exfoliate your skin, resulting in a refreshed appearance
  • Lessen the appearance of stretch marks.
  • Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
  • Reduce or eliminate enlarged pores
  • Treat acne and the scars left by acne

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/microdermabrasion

Microneedling

For those looking to treat acne scars, boost collagen growth, encourage hair growth, treat stretch marks, wrinkles, or for facial rejuvenation, Microneedling offers a quick, minimally invasive solution that tends to be comfortable and less expensive with a lower risk and a shorter recovery period. Microneedling, also known as Collagen Induction Therapy, is a skin-rejuvenating procedure that involves the insertion of miniature, microfine needles that range in diameter from 0.5 and 2.5 millimeters into the skin which ultimately will help your body to create collagen that will fill lines and wrinkles. A numbing cream is first applied to the face, then a handheld device known as a dermaroller is rolled over the face which “induces a wound healing cascade with minimal damage to the epidermis. This allows for enhancement in the absorption of mainstay topical therapies across the thick stratum corneum…This sequentially leads to the generation of growth factors which stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in the papillary layer of the dermis.” Microneedling “has become increasingly utilized over the last several years as it is a relatively simple procedure that is cost-effective, well tolerated, and offers both cosmetic and therapeutic benefits… Overall, the procedure has few adverse sequelae compared to other therapies, is highly efficacious, and is a viable resurfacing option for skin of color.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5556180/

Are you interested in our relaxing spa treatments? Give our office a call today at 941-254-2321 to schedule an appointment to feel relaxed and rejuvenated in no time.

Dr. David S. Sax

Dr. David Sax is a board certified dermatologist in sarasota and an expert in Mohs surgery for skin cancer. He is dedicated to bringing you clinical excellence, highly personalized treatments, and accessible and efficient service. Whether you need treatment for a medical skin condition, or want to achieve a more youthful look with cosmetic or spa services, you’ll find state-of-the-art solutions right here.

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