What We Do: As a medically supervised Spa, we have access to revolutionary cosmetic and anti-aging treatments. See a list of our treatments and services below: Consultations are complimentary. Cosmetic Services:
Wrinkle Relaxers
BOTOX Cosmetic
BOTOX® Cosmetic blocks nerve impulses in the muscles that cause wrinkles. When the muscle doesn't contract the skin above it stays smooth. Millions of men and women of all ages now make BOTOX® Cosmetic part of their regular health and grooming routine. Available at both Central Texas Dermatology and SkinCare Austin.
Conditions
Frown line and wrinkles. Moderate to severe lines between the eyebrows, forehead creases, lip lines, and crow's feet.
The Treatment
We inject BOTOX® Cosmetic into the muscles that are causing your wrinkles. You will feel the tiny needle pricks briefly, but there is no need for an anesthetic. The treatment is completed in approximately 10 minutes. You will need no recovery time.
The Schedule
The results will appear within 10 days. The effects may last three months or longer. You will benefit most with a regular maintenance schedule. Most patients refresh their BOTOX® Cosmetic every three to five months.
Precautions
You may experience bruising or transient headaches. Minor temporary droop of one eyelid occurs in approximately two percent of patients. This usually lasts two to three weeks. Pregnant women and individuals with a significant neurologic disease should not receive BOTOX® treatments.
XEOMIN
XEOMIN® is the new choice for wrinkle prevention. It works just like BOTOX® and uses the same active ingredient to reduce wrinkles by relaxing the muscles that cause them. The difference is that XEOMIN® contains no protein additives, and you may be less likely to develop a resistance to the XEOMIN® formulation. XEOMIN® is effective on frown lines and wrinkles between the eyebrows, forehead creases, lip lines, and crow’s feet. Available at both Central Texas Dermatology and SkinCare Austin.
The Treatment
We inject XEOMIN® into the underlying muscles that form your frown lines. By inhibiting these muscles, XEOMIN® stops wrinkles before they can form. Treatment takes 20 minutes or less, and you may resume your regular activities immediately.
The Schedule
You will start seeing results three to ten days after treatment and will have your best results after 30 days. Results typically last three months or longer.
Precautions
You may experience bruising or transient headaches. Minor temporary droop of one eyelid occurs in approximately two percent of patients. This usually lasts two to three weeks. Pregnant women and individuals with a significant neurologic disease should not receive Xeomin® treatments.
Cosmetic Fillers
Juvéderm Ultra / Juvéderm Ultra Plus
Fewer lines and a fuller face with only one treatment per year. Juvéderm™ offers fast, long-lasting improvement for many of the conditions that signal aging facial skin. Now, a single treatment can correct wrinkles and folds, give lips a plumper appearance, and restore a youthful facial contour for six months to one year. Juvéderm™ is the smoothest and most malleable of the hyaluronic acid fillers, resulting in a smooth, natural look and feel. Juvéderm™ Ultra is formulated for fine contouring and for volumizing wrinkles. The more robust Juvéderm™ Ultra Plus corrects deeper wrinkles and folds. With the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid, the smoothest texture, and the longest durability of dermal fillers, Juvéderm™ is a powerful and proven age-defying agent. Available at both Central Texas Dermatology and SkinCare Austin.
The Treatment
A topical anesthetic is applied, then a small amount of Juvéderm™ is injected under the skin with an ultrafine needle. The process takes approximately 20 minutes, plus consultation time before treatment begins. Results are immediate, and downtime is minimal.
The Schedule
Results may last up to six months. As with all hyaluronic acid fillers, the gel is ultimately absorbed into the body. When you start to notice wrinkles or sagging again, simply call us to schedule a touch-up treatment.
Precautions
You may briefly experience reactions common to any injection: mild irritation, swelling, itching, bruising, or tenderness. These conditions usually resolve quickly on their own.
Belotero Dermal Filler
Belotero® is a super-smooth dermal filler that looks and feels natural. It is made with hyaluronic acid (HA) -- the same substance your body produces to hydrate and volumize skin. Belotero® is an ideal filler for minimizing the finest of lines. It can be layered over dermal fillers as a finishing touch. Because it integrates so perfectly with your tissue, Belotero® tends to cause less redness and swelling than other dermal fillers. It is effective on fine facial lines such as frown lines between the eyebrows, crow’s feet, lip lines, laugh lines running from the nose to the corner of the mouth, and “marionette lines” running from the corner of the mouth to the jaw. It works beautifully on dry, crepey skin on the decolletage. Belotero® can even fill in and soften a bump on the bridge of the nose. Available at both Central Texas Dermatology and SkinCare Austin.
The Treatment
After deadening the treatment area with a topical anesthetic, Belotero® is injected just under the skin. Treatment takes approximately 20 minutes. You may have some slight redness and swelling, but you may resume your regular activities immediately.
The Schedule
The results are instant and may last up to nine months. Most patients schedule maintenance appointments every 6 to 12 months.
Precautions
Before using Belotero®, you should avoid taking aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, St. John’s Wort, or high doses of Vitamin E supplements to minimize the risk of bruising and bleeding. Let us know if you have ever had facial cold sores. Your doctor may prescribe a medication to minimize their recurrence. After your treatment, you may experience some swelling, redness, pain, bruising, or tenderness. These conditions should disappear in less than seven days.
Radiesse
Radiesse® is used to restore youthful volume to the face and hands and to correct lines, folds, and wrinkles in the skin. It works with your body, stimulating collagen growth and forming a scaffolding of tiny, calcium-based microspheres to support it. Available at both Central Texas Dermatology and SkinCare Austin.
The Treatment
Radiesse® is injected into the skin with the use of a local anesthetic. Results are immediate and may last a year or longer. You will experience little or no recovery period.
The Schedule
Many patients achieve their desired results after a single treatment, but we may suggest a follow-up visit to evaluate your progress. The calcium microspheres in Radiesse® gradually break down and are absorbed naturally into your body. When your youthful look starts to fade, it’s time to schedule another treatment.
Precautions
Before using Radiesse®, you should avoid taking aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, St. John’s Wort, or high doses of Vitamin E supplements to minimize the risk of bruising and bleeding. Let us know if you have ever had facial cold sores. Your doctor may prescribe a medication to minimize their recurrence. After your treatment, you may experience some swelling, redness, pain, bruising, or tenderness. These conditions should disappear in less than seven days.
Restylane / Perlane
Restylane® and Perlane® are natural cosmetic fillers used to enhance your lips or smooth away moderate to severe facial wrinkles, folds, and scars. Results are instant and last for approximately six months. These hyaluronic acids are similar to those your own body produces to give the skin volume and fullness. Restylane® and Perlane® are created using the same biotechnical process. The only difference is the size of their particles. Perlane®, with larger particles, is designed to work at a deeper level under the skin. Your aesthetician will determine which gel or combination of gels is best for you. Available at both Central Texas Dermatology and SkinCare Austin.
The Treatment
An ultrafine needle is used to inject tiny amounts of Restylane® or Perlane® under the skin. A topical anesethetic is applied prior to treatment. Nerve blocks are also available when necessary.
The Schedule
A single treatment typically lasts approximately 20 minutes, with results lasting up to six months, as the gel is slowly absorbed into the body. When you notice the results fading, call us to schedule a refresher treatment. At this time, you may also want to consider a longer-lasting filler such as Radiesse®. Restylane® and Perlane® contain no animal proteins, so you will not need a skin test for allergies.
Precautions
Before using Restylane® or Perlane®, you should avoid taking aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, St. John’s Wort, or high doses of Vitamin E supplements to minimize the risk of bruising and bleeding. Let us know if you have ever had facial cold sores. A medication may be prescribed to minimize their recurrence. After your treatment, you may experience some swelling, redness, pain, bruising, or tenderness. These conditions should disappear in less than seven days.
Sculptra
If aging, acne scars, or a localized loss of fat tissue have caused your face to lose the smooth fullness of youth, Sculptra™ may offer an effective solution. While other fillers focus on individual folds or wrinkles, Sculptra™ restores volume to a larger area, dramatically improving folds, wrinkles, depressions, and scars. Sculptra™ is made from microparticles of poly-L-lactic acid - the same material used in absorbable sutures - and has been widely employed as a cosmetic enhancement in Europe for years. Available at both Central Texas Dermatology and SkinCare Austin.
The Treatment
Sculptra™ is injected into the skin in small amounts with an ultrafine needle. You may be given a topical or local anesthetic for comfort.
The Schedule
Sculptra™ stimulates your own collagen to restore volume, so the results are natural looking and long lasting, but the full effect takes time to appear. Treatments - usually three to five - are spaced approximately one month apart. You will see immediate improvement after each injection, but these are temporary results caused by water, and they will quickly fade. As your body begins producing collagen, the real results will build gradually over one to three months. These results may last two years or longer. Some patients may want a touch-up treatment during this time to refresh their look.
Precautions
Immediately following a treatment session, you may experience redness, swelling, pain, or bruising. These conditions usually disappear in a few hours to a few days. Side effects may include the delayed appearance of small bumps under the skin in the treated area. Generally, these bumps are not visible and may be noticed only when pressing on the treated area. No skin testing is required, but you should not use Sculptra™ if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Let us know if you have ever had facial cold sores. Your doctor may prescribe a medication to minimize their recurrence.
Acne Treatments
BLU-U Light Therapy
BLU-U® Light Therapy zaps acne by destroying the bacteria that cause it. The fluorescent blue light targets only your acne-prone sebaceous glands, killing the Proprionbacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacteria while leaving the surrounding skin untouched. BLU-U® treats mild inflammatory acne on the face, neck, and scalp. It works better and much faster than gels, creams, liquids, or oral medications, and you don't face any risk of bad drug reactions or side effects. You see noticeable improvement in approximately two weeks and dramatically clearer skin in four weeks or less.
The Treatment
Treatments are safe, painless, and fast, typically requiring only 16 minutes. You simply sit in front of the BLU-U® light source wearing protective goggles, while you relax.
The Schedule
A typical treatment schedule is two 16-minute sessions per week for four consecutive weeks. Many patients benefit from a single maintenance treatment per month thereafter.
Precautions
BLU-U® Light Therapy is one of the safest acne treatments available. There are no drugs, no side effects, and you need no time for recovery. Women who are pregnant or nursing and people who have a sensitivity to light should consult with us before proceeding with therapy.
Resurfacing & Rejuvenating
ActiveFX / DeepFX / TotalFX
Fractional or fractionated laser treatments give you the beautiful, natural-looking results of the original CO2 laser resurfacing without the two-week recovery period. The fractional laser leaves tiny "bridges" of untouched skin between the treated areas. Recovery is faster because less skin is affected. You can return to your regular routine in four to seven days. And, unlike the CO2 laser, which treats only the face, the fractional laser can be applied to treatment sites all over your body.
Conditions
Aging or scarred skin, wrinkles, fine lines, uneven texture, discoloration, sun damage, laxity, and scars on the face, neck, chest, arms, hands, and legs.
The Treatment
We treat superficial imperfections such as blotchy pigmentation and fine lines with ActiveFX, sending a high-energy laser beam in a broad pattern onto the skin's surface. For more pronounced wrinkles, excessive laxity, and scars we use DeepFX. It directs a narrow beam of energy into the deeper skin layers, where it stimulates collagen growth to soften and smooth the surface. When we use both broad and narrow beams sequentially in the same treatment session, it is called TotalFX.
Precautions
Risks and side effects include pain (usually controlled with Extra Strength Tylenol or Motrin), infection, scarring, and redness.Temporary darkening of the skin is possible, particularly in darker-skinned individuals. This almost always fades away completely.
ActiveFX / DeepFX / TotalFX Schedule
Before Activefx, Deepfx, Or Totalfx
Stock up on home care supplies Make your recovery easier by having everything you need well in advance. One day before the procedure Take the oral medications the doctor prescribes. The day of your appointment: Shampoo hair but do not use hairspray. Wash face with soap and water. Do not wear makeup or jewelry. Take all usual medications. Eat usual meals. Apply LMX cream to the treatment area as instructed by the doctor. Wear a button-up shirt. Bring an elastic headband. Arrange for someone to drive you home.
During Activefx, Deepfx, Or Totalfx
Your appointment takes approximately one hour. We give you topical anesthetic (and, if necessary, nerve blocks or oral sedation) before beginning treatment. During treatment, you will feel a warm sensation or a slight sting as the laser passes over your skin. When the treatment is over, we will apply Vaseline or Aquaphor and you will be ready to go home and begin recovery.
After Activefx, Deepfx, Or Totalfx
When you leave our office your skin will be red and swollen and feel like a deep sunburn. If you had DeepFX you may have some pinpoint bleeding. Post-operative care is simple - just cool soaks and Vaseline or Aquaphor applied to keep the skin moist. (Follow the instructions in our post-operative handout.) Your skin will flake off over the next five to seven days as it heals. (We can adjust the length of your recovery period by adjusting the intensity of the laser.) As the swelling subsides you may notice wrinkles reappearing. This is normal. Many of these wrinkles will disappear completely or improve dramatically as new collagen forms. Deeper wrinkles and scars will improve over the next several months. Some patients require more than one treatment to achieve their desired effect. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen for three months after treatment. With proper care, your results will last for many years.
FotoFacial / Intense Pulsed Light / IPL
FotoFacial eliminates a wide range of skin conditions and flaws on the face and upper body. A series of non-invasive treatments spaced three or four weeks apart delivers the best results and requires little to no downtime.
Conditions
Sun damage, fine wrinkles, lax skin, large pores, irregular pigmentation, rosacea, redness, brown spots, freckles, or dilated blood vessels on the face, neck, chest, arms, or hands.
The Treatment
After the option of applying an anesthetic cream we use a light-based device to direct precisely controlled pulses of energy in mutiple wavelengths through your skin. Dilated blood vessels, excessively pigmented skin, and damaged skin tissue absorb the heat and are destroyed. The laser also stimulates collagen production, which diminishes wrinkles and fine lines. Because the laser is non-ablative, the surface of your skin is untouched.
The Schedule
Most patients need five 30-40 minute treatments spaced three or four weeks apart. Many patients also require a refresher treatment once every six months.
Precautions
All skin types respond well. Mild redness for up to 24 hours after a treatment is common. Blistering, bruising, increased or decreased pigmentation, and scarring are rare side effects.
Laser Resurfacing
If the "wind tunnel" look of a surgical face lift isn't for you, laser resurfacing might be the answer. This treatment stimulates your body to produce collagen that plumps up lines and wrinkles and restores the youthful skin you remember. Your facial rejuvenation looks natural because it is natural. Dr. Ramsdell was the first doctor to offer CO2 laser skin resurfacing in Austin in 1996. Success Story: 66 Year-Old Female, Success Story: 63 year-old Male.
Conditions
Lined, wrinkled, or lax skin, discoloration, and rough texture.
The Treatment
The doctor uses a Lumenis Encore CO2 laser to send a fine beam of light into the skin to vaporize damaged tissue. The laser tightens existing fibers and promotes new collagen growth to minimize wrinkles and scars.
Precautions
Side effects may include pain, infection, or scarring. Redness of the skin is common. It may last for several months and is best concealed with makeup. This red phase is associated with new collagen formation, so try to think of it in positive terms. Temporary darkening of the skin is common, particularly in dark-skinned individuals. This almost always fades away completely. Permanent lightening of skin color has been reported in up to 20% of patients. Please use a broad-spectrum sunscreen for three months following your treatment.
Laser Resurfacing Schedule
BEFORE Laser Resurfacing
Stock up on home care supplies Make your recovery easier by having everything you need well in advance. Apply topical meds In the weeks before your treatment, use any topical medications the doctor prescribes. One day before the procedure Begin taking the antibiotic and antiviral medication the doctor prescribes. You will continue taking this medication for 10 days.. The day of your appointment: Shampoo hair but do not use hairspray. Wash face with soap and water. Do not wear makeup or jewelry. Take all usual medications. Eat usual meals. Wear a button-up shirt. Bring an elastic headband. Arrange for someone to drive you home.
DURING Laser Resurfacing
You will be given a local anesthetic prior to treatment. During the procedure you may feel a slight but tolerable stinging sensation. After treatment we will place a dressing on the treated area, and you wll be ready to go home.
AFTER Laser Resurfacing
The first 8 to 10 days Prepare for a 10-day home recovery. In the first 48 hours you will experience a burning sensation similar to a severe sunburn. For the first 8 to 10 days you will experience oozing and crusting. All treated areas must be kept moist with the dressing applied after surgery or with Vaseline or Aquaphor. (See our patient handout entitled "Home Care After Laser Skin Resurfacing" for specific post-operative instructions.) Do not put any topical agents on your skin other than Vaseline or Aquaphor without consulting us first. After 10 days You will probably be able to start wearing makeup after 10 days. Treated areas may feel quite tight and dry. Vaseline or Aquaphor are not usually necessary at this point, but most patients require use of a moisturizer. Itching is common and responds to prescription ointments available upon request. The redness will gradually fade after a period of weeks to months. As the swelling subsides, you may notice wrinkles reappearing. This is normal. Many of these wrinkles will disappear completely or improve dramatically as new collagen forms. Optimal improvement may take three months or longer. Some patients may require more than one treatment.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
A chemical solution applied to your skin before light therapies such as BLU-U® and FotoFacial | Intense Pulsed Light | IPL® makes targeted tissue more light sensitive, so each treatment is more effective and fewer treatments are required. We typically use aminolevulinic acid (ALA) as the photosensitizing agent.
Conditions
Photodynamic Therapy has been effective in the treatment of actinic keratosis (pre-cancerous spots), some types of skin cancer, sun damaged skin, acne, and oily skin with sebaceous gland enlargement.
The Schedule
The number of treatments necessary and treatment intervals will vary depending on the condition being treated.
Precautions
Retin-A and similar topical creams (Renova, Retinol, Differin, Avita, Tazorac) should be discontinued several days prior to PDT. Avoid sun exposure for two days following PDT, because your skin will still be very sensitive to light. If the Intense Pulsed Light machine is used to provide the light source, you must avoid the sun for at least one week prior to treatment as well.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) Treatment
Before Photodynamic Therapy
You should stop using Retin-A and similar topical creams (Renova, Retinol, Differin, Avita, Tazorac) several days prior to PDT.
During Photodynamic Therapy
We apply the chemical to your skin for 30 to 90 minutes. This causes the light therapy to be more effective, allowing patients to spend less time under the light. During light-exposed, which typically lasts about 9-13 minutes, your skin will experience a mild burning sensation.
After Photodynamic Therapy
Avoid the sun. Your skin will be extra sensitive to light after PDT. Avoid all sun exposure for at least two days. Some patients experience swelling, redness, stinging, and burning for three to 10 days following treatment. Occasionally a patient will have an allergic reaction to the PDT chemical. Some patients, especially those with darker skin, may have temporary skin discoloration for weeks or months after treatment.
PigmentFX
PigmentFX™ offers you a spotless future free of sun spots, age spots, and even hyperpigmented areas you were born with. One treatment, a few days of recovery, and your pigmented skin will literally slough off.
Conditions
Hyperpigmented skin. Age and sun spots, birthmarks, freckles, and other hyperpigmented areas on the face, neck, chest, hands, arms, back, and legs.
The Treatment
PigmentFX™ employs a fractional laser that passes through the skin to work from within. The surface of your skin remains intact and acts as a bandage to the treated area underneath. In a few days your treated skin, including the pigmented areas, sloughs off, revealing fresh skin with a smooth texture and even tone.
Precautions
Possible risks and complications include crusting, pain, purpura, swelling, redness, bruising, scarring, blistering, hypopigmentation (skin lightening), hyperpigmentation (brown/red discoloration), and mottling of skin vascularity and pigmentation. Eye injury is possible but unlikely, as we provide complete eye protection throughout the treatment. Color changes such as hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation may take several months to resolve. Always use sun protection in the weeks following treatment to prevent or minimize the chances of discoloration.
PigmentFX Schedule
During PigmentFX
We apply a topical anesthetic cream before treatment. During the treatment, we place a hand-held device that releases precisely calibrated light waves directly over the targeted area. We may treat each area several times, depending on your condition. The entire session may take 20 minutes to one hour, depending on which area we are treating.
After PigmentFX
Healing takes two or three days. Use Extra Strength Tylenol or Motrin (ibuprofen) as well as cool compresses to relieve discomfort. Apply moisturizer as often as needed to relieve any dryness or tightness. Use only gentle cleansers and avoid topical exfoliation for one week. Do not use Retin-A, AHAs, or bleaching creams until any visible peeling is completed. Avoid direct sun exposure for one to two weeks, and use at least an SPF 15 sunscreen every day. With proper sun protection, your PigmentFX™ results will be permanent.
Hair Removal
GentleLASE Laser Hair Removal
If you want to get rid of hair permanently, laser hair removal is the best option. Six to eight treatments with our GentleLASE® device will eliminate up to 90 percent of your hair. Once we remove the follicle, it will never grow back.
Conditions
Unwanted hair on the face, back, bikini area, arms, underarms, and legs.
The Treatment
Laser hair removal works by zapping the hair with heat. A topical anesthetic may be applied to minimize pain. A targeted beam of light is directed through the skin into the follicle of the hair below the surface. The laser beam is converted to heat, which destroys the follicle but leaves the surrounding skin unharmed.
The Schedule
For six weeks before treatment, you must avoid tanning (in the sun or with self-tanning products), bleaching, tweezing, and waxing. If you have a darker skin type, you should apply a topical bleaching cream four to six weeks before treatment. You should stop shaving a few days before treatment. If you have a history of fever blisters, you may need an antiviral medication beginning the day before treatment. Immediately after treatment, you may experience swelling for a few hours and redness for two to three days. Your hair will begin to shed five to 14 days after treatment and can be wiped away with a wet cloth. Avoid sun exposure and use a sunscreen at all times during the course of treatments. For six weeks after a treatment, you may shave and use depilatories, but do not wax, have electrolysis to the area, or tweeze. Treatments are typically scheduled at four-to-six-week intervals.
Precautions
The ideal candidate for laser hair removal has pale skin and dark hair. Darker skinned individuals will require more treatments and are at a greater risk for side effects. Side effects may include pain, redness, swelling, white spots, dark spots and blistering, as well as scarring and infection. If you are taking Isotretinoin (Accutane®), you must wait 6 to 12 months before having laser hair removal.
Semi-Permanent Make-Up
Info
24/7 Beauty Boost
Augment your eyebrows, enhance your lip line, accentuate your lash line, or conceal a scar with our hassle-free, long-lasting treatments.
The Treament
Your aesthetician implants allergy-tested mineral extracts into the skin to enhance your appearance with natural-looking color.
The Schedule
Typically, you will need a touch-up, four to six weeks later. We provide this service at no additional charge. Results may last up to 5 years or longer.
Sculpting / Tightening
Eye Lift (Blepharoplasty)
Are your droopy eyelids affecting your vision? When the saggy, puffy skin around your eyes starts to impact your looks, lifestyle, and functionality it's time to look into an eye lift. Blepharoplasty (also known as laser eyelid surgery, laser eye-lift, and other similar names) eliminates the excess fat and skin that weigh your eyes down. We often combine it with a technique like ActiveFX or laser resurfacing to smooth out wrinkles and give you the lighter, brighter appearance of youth. Blepharoplasty is a quick, in-office treatment that is virtually bloodless and painless. We can treat the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both.
Conditions
Sagging, puffy, OR wrinkled eyes. Wrinkles and folds around the eyes. Excessive skin and fat, causing drooping lids, "bags" under the eyes, sagging, and puffiness.
The Schedule
Upper and lower blepharoplasties take approximately 30 to 60 minutes each. If you have both upper and lower eyelids treated at the same time, it will take one to two hours. Dr. Ramsdell will want to see you for a follow-up visit the day after your surgery, and if you have upper blepharoplasty we will need to see you five to seven days later to remove your sutures.
Precautions
The laser device minimizes your chances of bleeding and bruising. To further reduce this risk you should not take aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or similar anti-inflammatory medications for 10 days before and seven days after treatment. Do not drink alcohol seven days before and until five days after treatment. Refrain from vigorous exercise for 10 days after treatment. Rare risks and side effects include poor healing with skin loss or scarring, nerve or muscle damage, impairment of eye function, decrease in tear production, or the inability to close the eyes completely.
Eye Lift (Blepharoplasty) Treatment
Upper Eyelids
We begin by giving you a local anesthetic. Using a laser device, Dr. Ramsdell makes a tiny incision in the crease above the eye and removes excess fat, muscle, and skin. The incision is closed with sutures, which are removed after healing.
Lower Eyelids
After deadening the treatment site with a local anesthetic, Dr. Ramsdell works through an incision in the back of the lower eyelid. Because of the incision location you need no sutures and will have no visible scarring. After either blepharoplasty procedure, Dr. Ramsdell can use the laser to remove any residual skin and smooth out wrinkles.
Jowl & Neck Lifts
A jowl and neck lift (or lower face lift or weekend face-lift) restores firm contours with tumescent liposuction and laser surgery. Patients are always amazed at the dramatic difference this low-impact treatment makes. It's quick and minimally invasive, involves only a local anesthetic, and requires just a few days for recovery. Patients often schedule their treatment at the beginning of a long holiday weekend so they don't have to miss any work.
Conditions
Loss of skin elasticity, loose skin, excess fat accumulation. Vertical bands in the neck muscle.
The Treatment
The Dr. Ramsdell begins by injecting an anesthetic solution, which deadens the treatment area while lifting the skin from underlying tissue. Excess fat is suctioned out and, if necessary, the skin is tightened with a laser device. If you want, a chin implant may be placed at this time. This is a very safe procedure that makes an impressive, yet natural-looking impact on your appearance. The incisions are closed with sutures and bandaged, then you are ready to go home. If you want to correct laxity in the lower portion of your face we can combine this procedure with a S-Lift.
The Schedule
After three days of recovery we will remove your bandages and you will be free to resume normal activities.
Precautions
In addition to the complications associated with any type of surgery (infection, bleeding, scarring, drug reactions), this procedure could result in damage to a branch of the facial nerve that runs along the jawline, resulting in drooping, usually temporary, of one or both sides of the mouth. The skin could heal with an irregular contour. Vertical neck bands could not disappear completely or could reoccur. A chin implant could migrate from its original position.
CoolSculpting
The CoolSculpting® technology allows us to painlessly freeze and eliminate your fat cells while you catch up on your reading. CoolSculpting® uses a proprietary process called Cryolipolysis to freeze and kill fat cells in specific areas of the body, while leaving other tissue intact. Your body eliminates the dead fat gradually, leaving slimmer, natural contours in a matter of weeks. CoolSculpting® is effective on specific bulges, rather than large areas. It is not a weight loss solution and is not a substitute for more dramatic procedures such as surgery or liposuction.
Conditions
Tenacious, isolated fat deposits. CoolSculpting® is FDA cleared for use on the abdomen and flanks (love handles, muffin tops).
The Treatment
While you sit or recline comfortably, we place the CoolSculpting® device on the treatment area. The device draws your bulge up between two cooling panels. You will feel a firm pull, then pressure and intense cold. This sensation will dissipate after a few minutes. When your session is over -- typically one to three hours -- you are free to return to your day’s activities. You will need no anesthesia during treatment and no pain medication afterward.
The Schedule
You will have an initial consultation to discuss your goals and determine a treatment plan. A typical treatment plan for one area of the body involves a single, one-hour session. Some plans may call for longer sessions or more than one session. Your body begins eliminating dead fat cells naturally after treatment. You should see a noticeable improvement in the treatment area in three weeks and significant improvement in two months. Your body may continue to eliminate the fat for four to six months. Your final results should remain stable as long as you maintain your weight.
Precautions
Some patients experience temporary pain or discomfort after treatment. Side effects may include redness, bruising, swelling, tenderness, cramping, itching, tingling, or numbness. Numbness may persist as long as several weeks after the CoolSculpting procedure.
How CoolSculpting Works
Many of us have bulges of stubborn fat like muffin tops.
CoolSculpting uses controlled cooling to target and crystallize fat cells.
In the weeks and months following treatment, remaining fat cells condense, reducing the fat layer.
Those unwanted buldges contain fat cells, which can be exercise but not to CoolSculpting.
Crystallized fat cells gradually die off, then are naturally eliminated from your body.
CoolSculpting lets you say goodbye to stubborn fat.
Tumescent Liposuction
What's your problem area - the area of fat that sits there stubbornly, even when you eat right and work out faithfully? That's the fat we target with tumescent liposuction. Tumescent liposuction is one of today's most popular cosmetic procedures. Minimal pain, bleeding, and risk are offset by truly impressive results - results you could never achieve on your own.
Conditions
LOCALIZED ACCUMULATIONS OF FAT. Stubborn fat deposits on the waist, abdomen, inner and outer thighs, buttocks, arms, chin, neck, jowls, and cheeks.
The Treatment
Dr. Ramsdell injects a fluid containing saline, an anesthetic, and an agent to reduce bleeding into the treatment area. The fluid causes swelling (tumescence), which separates fat from the surrounding tissue. He suctions fat out through small metal tubes (cannulas). The treatment is virtually painless and relatively permanent. Once fat cells are removed they are gone forever.
The Schedule
One day before treatment we will give you an oral antibiotic. When you arrive for your liposuction the next day, you will be given a mild sedative. We then take "before" photos and mark the treatment areas on your body. Next we infiltrate the treatment area(s) with anesthetic solution. This is performed slowly and carefully through multiple sites and may take one to two hours. You may go to the bathroom following infiltration if you wish. Then Dr. Ramsdell begins the actual fat suctioning. You should be quite comfortable during the procedure. Feel free to ask questions and converse with Dr. Ramsdell and the staff. After the procedure we place a dressing of absorbent pads on the treatment sites and cover them with compression garments which you will wear for several days. The small incisions through which the liposuction cannulas are passed are not sutured closed. They are kept open to allow drainage. This drainage can be a nuisance, but it results in diminished postoperative swelling and bruising. The incisions will heal as small, discolored spots or scars, which will fade with time. Although you should feel fine after the procedure, we require that you have someone drive you home. Recovery is usually rapid. Some patients feel good enough for mild exercise the day after treatment. Most return to regular activities after a few days. Swelling and bruising are normal after liposuction but are greatly diminished compared to previous methods of liposuction surgery. Most patients notice an improvement in their silhouette within one week of surgery. The swelling can be slow to resolve, and the ultimate results may take 12 to 20 weeks.
S-Lift Minimal Incision Face Lift
The S-Lift restores a natural, youthful look to your lower face and neck with no hospital stay, no general anesthesia, and no extreme "wind tunnel" outcome. With an S-Lift we remove excess tissue surgically and tighten the skin through tiny incisions that heal in just a few days. You enjoy impressive results with a procedure that is safer, requires less recovery time, and is less costly than a conventional face lift.
Conditions
SAGGING CHEEKS, JAWLINE, AND NECK. Mild to moderate laxity in the lower face and neck.
The Treatment
After giving you a local anesthetic, the Dr. Ramsdell makes a "S"-shaped incision in front of each ear and uses sutures to tighten the face and neck muscles. Excess skin is removed, and the incision is sutured closed. The resulting scars are hidden in the folds of skin in front of your ears. For best results we often combine the S-Lift with a jowl and neck lift. The S-Lift may also be combined with placement of a chin implant. This is a very safe procedure that makes an impressive, yet natural-looking impact on your appearance.
The Schedule
The S-Lift is performed in our office under local anesthesia. You can return home the same day and should be able to resume your usual activities after a few days of recovery.
Precautions
You may expect some swelling and bruising, but complications are infrequent. They include hematoma, infection, nerve damage, skin dimpling or skin loss, and unattractive scarring. A chin implant could migrate from its original position. Because of the greater risk of complications, we will not perform the S-Lift on people who smoke.
Facials / Peels
A blend of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol. Resorcinol allows acids to penetrate evenly and deeper for better results. This peel is great for controlling and reducing acne and can also be beneficial in removing sun damage and decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Deep Pore Cleansing Facial
The Results: Clean Pores to Promote Clear Skin
With the barrage of internal and external environmental factors attacking us, acne-prone skin faces a constant battle. This purifying facial eliminates impurities, boosts skin health, and improves your ability to fight back. It is a perfect complement to BLU-U® Light Therapy.
The Treatment
We treat your skin to a thorough pore cleansing, toning, enzyme exfoliation, extraction of impurities, and a treatment mask.
The Schedule
We recommend treatment once every two weeks or until acne has cleared.
Precautions
You should discontinue use of Retin-A topicals five to seven days prior to treatment.
Dual Resurfacing Facial
The Results: Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peel Combined
Now you can refresh the surface of your skin and stimulate the collagen underneath with one refreshing treatment.
The Treatment
Your aesthetician starts with a mild microdermabrasion to exfoliate the surface and stimulate cell renewal. She follows with a customized chemical peel to leave your skin clean, polished, and glowing.
The Schedule
A maintenance treatment once a month is recommended.
Precautions
The dual resurfacing facial is recommended for all skin types. You should discontinue use of Retin-A topicals five to seven days prior to treatment.
Microdermabrasion
The Results: Reveal the Fresh, Beautiful Skin Just Below the Surface
Is the beautiful, glowing skin you remember hiding under a few superficial problems? Microdermabrasion can polish and perfect your skin's surface. You can improve moderate sun damage, fine lines, and clogged pores with this simple, safe solution. It works on your face, neck, chest, arms, and hands. Microdermabrasion is often used to enhance the effects of other skin renewal treatments.
The Treatment
Tiny crystals propelled at high speed across the surface of the skin exfoliate the skin and stimulate blood flow, enhancing cell renewal and collagen growth.
The Schedule
A microdermabrasion treatment requires no anesthetic or recovery time. It takes approximately one hour to treat an area such as the full face or the dècolletage. Multiple treatments are often required to achieve the optimal effect, and over time you will need additional treatments to maintain that fresh glow. You may get microdermabrasion as often as once a week.
Precautions
You should discontinue Retin-A and all other exfoliating or potentially irritating topical products five to seven days prior to microdermabrasion.
Skin Peels
The Results: Peel Away Damaged Skin for a Polished Appearance. When the effects of sun damage, aging, acne, or blotchy pigmentation show up on your skin, the right peel can work wonders. Schedule a free consultation with an aesthetician to determine the best peel for your condition.
Glycolic Peel
For Fine Lines and Photoaging. With this superficial peel, alpha-hydroxy acid causes skin cells to be released and shed from the surface of the skin. Glycolic Peels can be performed as often as once per week, depending on the strength of acid used.
Beta Peel
For Acne-Prone Skin. Salicylic acid is used effectively to exfoliate and reduce oil production. It is normal to experience a slight “tightening” of the skin and shedding of skin cells within 24 hours after the treatment.
Vitalize Peel
For Fine Lines, Photoaging, and Hyperpigmentation. A unique formulation of mild acids provides a slightly deeper peel at less frequent intervals. A series of three to six Vitalize Peels is recommended at three-week intervals.
Trichloracetic Peel
A Closely Monitored, Deeper Peel. Trichloracetic acid, a time-honored peeling agent, is used to peel the skin more deeply. Because close monitoring is necessary, this peel is offered only in medical spas.
Cook Total Body Peel
A Layered Approach For The Greatest Depth. Combining glycolic and trichloracetic acids in a layering technique achieves an even greater depth of peeling. This process can be used on all parts of the body.
Jessner Peel
A Light to Medium Peel For Sun-Damage and Acne. A blend of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol. Resorcinol allows acids to penetrate evenly and deeper for better results. This peel is great for controlling and reducing acne and can also be beneficial in removing sun damage and decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
SkinCare Products
Featured Products
Clarisonic
Get super-clean skin that is smoother, softer, and better prepared to absorb skin-enhancing products. The Sonic Skin Cleansing System uses a patented sonic frequency to remove six times more make-up and two times more dirt and oil than manual cleansing alone.
Clinicians Complex
Plump up your lips in minutes. Enjoy the results for hours. With continued use you can even achieve long-term results. Available in clear gloss and three colors.
EltaMD Skincare
This line of sunscreens is the most complete in the skin care industry, offering specific formulas for every skin type, from extra sensitive to oily and for everyday wear to outdoor activities. Hypoallergenic and sensitivity free, these light sunscreens absorb quickly but deliver broad-spectrum, zinc-based protection - up to SPF 50!
Image Skincare
This pharmaceutical skin care system achieves results traditional over-the-counter products can't. Image Skincare works at the cellular level to diminish fine lines, fade sun damage, increase hydration, and stimulate cell turnover for more youthful-looking skin.
iS Clinical
iS CLINICAL® offers a powerful system of medically proven products to fight the signs of acne, rosacea, discoloration, and aging skin. The ADVANCE+ treatment line features a breakthrough formulation for the delivery of vitamin C that expedites collagen production and results in rapid, pronounced improvement in the health and appearance of the skin.
Jane Iredale
The original innovator in mineral cosmetics, Jane Iredale offers make-up that is actually good for your skin. Get the latest fashion colors and beautiful results with the make-up recommended by plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and skin care professionals worldwide.
Luksus
SCS™ BioGel This bioemulsion works as an antioxidant to stimulate stem cells and increase collagen production, resulting in stronger, more youthful skin -- inside and out.
Veritas
VERITAS Bioactive Cosmetics® Designed to complement the skin’s natural ability to renew, Veritas Bioactive Cosmetics celebrate the marriage of natural botanicals and pharmaceutical quality bioactives. Free of parabens, phthalates, gluten, sodium lauryl sulfates (SLS), fillers, synthetic fragrances and dyes, VERITAS raises the standard in the cosmetic market place with its advanced gene-influencing technology.
Neocutis
A proprietary mixture of human growth factors, cytokines, and interleukins powers these products for protecting and revitalizing the skin.
JOURNÉE Bio-Restorative Day Cream
This fast-acting cream hydrates the skin and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while creating a chemical and physical shield against ultraviolet rays.
LUMIÉRE Bio-Restorative Eye Cream
This smoothing cream firms and hydrates the skin around the eyes, improves the appearance of lines and dark under-eye circles, and alleviates puffiness and signs of fatigue.
PÊCHE Redness Control
This balancing cream soothes upset skin and diminishes the appearance of redness and blotchiness.
Obagi
Nu-Derm System
This prescription-strength system transforms your skin at the cellular level, correcting the signs of photodamage and restoring healthy cell function. Your aesthetician will prescribe a specific dose and frequency to exfoliate old skin; minimize your lines, wrinkles, and age spots; and reveal the youthful new skin within.
Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. Systems
Treat acne where it starts. These are the only prescription-strength acne treatments containing a patented form of 5 percent benzoyl peroxide to penetrate deep into the skin and treat acne at the root.
Obagi-C Rx Systems
Rejuvenate skin from the inside out. These products offer the benefits of both prescription-strength 4 percent hydroquinone and powerful antioxidant Vitamin C to minimize the signs of skin damage and help restore and maintain younger-looking skin.
SkinCare Austin is the medical spa operated under the supervision of William M. Ramsdell, M.D., Medical Director of Central Texas Dermatology. Dr. Ramsdell is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology and is a leading provider of dermatologic surgical services in Central Texas.