Midwest Medical Specialists

We are fortunate to live in a time when numerous procedures and treatments are available to heal and/or reduce the effects that aging, environment, illness, medication, and lifestyle can have on our skin. Midwest Medical Specialists offers a variety of options, all of them administered by our physicians and certified aestheticians using state-of-the-art equipment.

Blu-U^® Light Acne Treatments

MMS dermatologists have always had a large arsenal of topical and oral treatments to manage and heal moderate acne, such as topical antibacterials and antibiotics, oral antibiotics, Retin-A^tm, Accutane^tm, astringents and exfoliants. Recently, we added a new "weapon" to that arsenal - Blu-U^® Light PhotoDynamic Therapy, approved by the FDA for the treatment of moderate acne.

The treatment is simple to administer. The patient sits in front of the Blu-U^® Light delivery system for about 16-30 minutes, with treatments spaced at one week intervals. The number of treatments, treatment time and treatment interval may vary with the severity of the acne.

Moderate acne responds well to painless Blu-U^® Light treatments.

Blu-U^® Light PhotoDynamic Therapy works by killing the P. acnes bacteria in your skin. It can be administered alone or in conjunction with a topical application of Aminolevulinic Acid for the treatment of acne vulgaris.

The Blu-U^® Light treatments are gentle to the skin. The most common side-effects include redness and mild peeling of the skin.

In about two to four treatments, most patients are pleased to see that the severity of their acne is reduced. With the additional application of ALA, Blu-U^® Light treatments also provide long term resolution of hyperactive sebaceous glands - a root cause of acne.

You may also be interested in:PhotoDynamic Therapy for the treamtent of Actinic Keratoses.

PLEASE NOTE: Cosmetic procedures will not be submitted to insurance.

Fractional Laser Resurfacing

Midwest Medical Specialists offers a full range of Fractional Laser Resurfacing procedures for patients interested in safe, natural aesthetic improvements without a lot of downtime or discomfort.

Discoloration of the skin, and various types of scars, include acne scars are among the skin issues successfully addressed by Fractional Laser Resurfacing.

Fractional Laser Resurfacing uses points of light to precisely treat thousands of microscopic areas of your skin, it stimulates collagen formation and tightens sagging skin. The treatment penetrates deep into the skin to remove old, damaged skin cells, stimulates your body's own natural healing process, and replaces the cells with fresh, glowing, healthy skin.

The simple, yet effective procedure produces the following excellent results:

• Improves skin tone and texture
• Plumps acne scars and surgical scars
• Reduces wrinkles and fine lines
• Reduces or clearing melasma (mask of pregnancy)
• Reduces or clearing sun spots and age spots
• Reduces melasma (mask of pregnancy)
• Reduces sun spots and age spots

Because the technology is so precise, fractional laser resurfacing not only works on facial skin, but also on delicate areas such as the neck, chest and hands.

PLEASE NOTE: Cosmetic procedures will not be submitted to insurance.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

If you're looking for a simple, effective option for removing unsightly veins or vascular lesions quickly and with very little pain, consider IPL. IPL or Intense Pulsed Light, uses heat energy from light to selectively destroy unwanted veins, pigmented or vascular lesions and even unwanted hair while leaving the skin around the affected areas untouched.

Spider veins are easily destroyed by IPL, leaving surrounding tissue untouched.

Additionally, IPL has the desirable side effect of stimulating mild inflammation in the treated area; this stimulates regeneration of collagen, which actually improves skin tone.

Midwest Medical Specialists can utilize IPL to perform a number of beneficial services, including:

• Unwanted hair reduction
• Rosacea
• Telagiectasias (Broken capillaries)
• Sun Damage
• Skin Rejuvenation (face, neck, chest, varicosities)
• Spider vein and superficial varicosities

Each treatment takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Immediately following a treatment, the skin may appear red and flushed but these changes gradually fade over a period of hours to a few days.

IPL treatments can be combined with other Skin Rejuvenation procedures. Ask your MMS physician, physician assistant, or staff member for more details.

PLEASE NOTE: Cosmetic procedures will not be submitted to insurance.

Laser Hair Reduction

You've spent years shaving, tweezing, plucking and waxing to remove unwanted hair. MMS suggests a more effective and more permanent solution - laser assisted hair removal.

Many areas of the body (except eyes) can be targeted, including upper lip, chin, face, underarms, neck, back, bikini line and legs. The treatment is also effective at decreasing the incidence of razor bumps.

Laser technology utilizes light recognition of pigment in the hair shaft to do its job. The intense light of the laser actually fuses with the pigment and releases and minimizes unwanted dark and thick hair. With each treatment, hair grows in lighter and finer; eventually, it simply doesn't grow back at all. On occasion, patients will experience some return of hair growth and may require periodic follow-ups.

Laser hair removal is performed by Midwest Medical Specialists' licensed aestheticians with our dermatologists available as needed. You may feel a mild heat-like sensation during the treatment, and may experience a mild sunburn-like feeling following treatment.

Unwanted hair on many parts of the body can be reduced through a series of laser treatments. Number of treatments depends on hair color, thickness of growth, and individual response to the treatment.

Treated hair will continue to appear for 7-30 days post-treatment and will then be expelled. Since hair in other stages of growth (not yet emerged) will continue to appear, you will likely need several treatments to achieve permanent hair reduction.

As a medical practice, MMS is unique in that we also address the underlying reasons men and women might have extra hair. Our dermatologists can address hair concerns and procedure success from a whole body perspective, i.e. examining your medications, addressing any underlying illnesses or medical conditions, and factoring in the effect these issues will have on the skins's reaction to the laser hair reduction procedure.

PLEASE NOTE: Cosmetic procedures will not be submitted to insurance.

Vein Therapy

Removal and/or reduction of unsightly veins is one of the most popular therapies performed at Midwest Medical Specialists. We offer two methods of treatment-Laser Therapy and Sclerotherapy.

The cost and efficacy of these two procedures are similar. While it is unlikely for all spider veins to fade, improvement of 60% to 90% is expected with a full course of either treatment.

How Laser Therapy works: Laser treatments involve aiming a small beam of light at a vein, focusing on the column of blood in the vessel. This creates heat and an inflammatory effect that dissolves the undesirable veins, with fading in about six months.

Laser therapy means freedom from unsightly spider veins and a newfound confidence when wearing shorts.

How Sclerotherapy works: Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution, called a sclerosing agent, into the veins. The agent causes inflammation inside of the vessel, leading to closure and dissolution of the undesirable veins, with fading in about six months.

Injecting a sclerosing agent into unsightly spider veins results in fading in about six weeks.
Photo courtesy of: PASCAL GOETGHELUCK / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

While there is virtually no downtime following either procedure, we do require patients undergoing either procedure to wear compression stockings for 4 weeks following each treatment. Both methods involve multiple sessions, depending on the number and size of the vessels and the underlying medical conditions that predispose the patient to forming of vessels in the first place.

PLEASE NOTE: Cosmetic procedures will not be submitted to insurance.

BOTOX ^®

One of the easiest and fastest treatments MMS recommends for deep lines and wrinkles is Botox^® injection. A few units of Botox^® are injected with a tiny needle into the muscles that creates wrinkles.

Very simply, Botox^® blocks nerve impulses and, as a result, the muscle weakens and the lines and wrinkles are significantly diminished. The most common areas for Botox^® injections are the forehead between the eyebrows, for horizontal and vertical forehead lines, and crow's feet. Botox^® can also be used to improve the appearance of neck jowling. Botox^® is also effective at reducing excessive sweating of the palms or underarms.

Botox^® is a safe and easy way to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles of the face.
Photo courtesy of: CC STUDIO / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

What exactly is Botox^®? It's a purified protein produced by the clostridium botulinum bacteria. Although Botox^® is a toxin, there have been no serious side effects. This is because it is used in extremely small amounts and does not spread throughout the body. Botox^® has been used safely and successfully in ophthalmology for over 12 years, and for wrinkle therapy for over eight years.

Botox^® usually last three to five months, at which time another injection is required. After several treatments, the effects from Botox^® may begin to last longer, sometimes up to six to eight months.

PLEASE NOTE: Cosmetic procedures will not be submitted to insurance.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are a non-invasive way to restore a more youthful appearance to wrinkled, unevenly pigmented, sun-damaged, or pre-cancerous changes in the skin.

Very simply, a peel involves applying a chemical solution to remove the outer layers of skin so that a smoother, more evenly pigmented, fresh layer of skin appears. Peels can be applied to your face, neck, chest, arms, hands, or legs. Peels do not reverse the aging process and do not improve deep scars.

Depending on the extent of sun damage and/or condition, your aesthetician may recommend a light, medium or deep chemical peel.

There are three basic types of chemical peels. Each type works differently with different results. Your Midwest Medical Specialists dermatologist will determine which peel is best for your needs:

Light Peel: Best For: Smoothing out fine wrinkles, rough, dry skin and balance uneven pigmentation
Chemical Used: AlphaHydroxy acids (AHAs), BetaHydroxy acids (BHAs), Glycololic Acids, Jessner's Chemical Peel
Treatment Duration: Approx. 30-45 minutes
Performed At: MMS office
Repeat Treatments: As needed to achieve desired results
Anesthesia: None required

Medium Peel: Best For: Moderate sun damage, surface wrinkles, uneven skin tone and pigment abnormalities
Chemical Used: Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)
Treatment Duration: Approx. 30-45 minutes
Performed At: MMS office
Repeat Treatments: 2-3 more at intervals of one to two months to achieve desired results
Anesthesia: Needed when TCA is applied in high concentrations

Deep Peel: Best For: Deep, coarse wrinkles, and uneven skin pigmentation, pre-cancerous growths
Chemical Used: Phenol acid
Treatment Duration: Up to two hours depending on size of facial area treated
Performed At: MMS office or outpatient center
Repeat Treatments: Only one application recommended
Anesthesia: Required
*Due to the extremely strong chemical used, this peel can cause permanent lightening of the skin, and is not recommended for patients with dark skin tones.

After a chemical peel (depending on the strength used), it is normal to expect some swelling, flaking and redness of the treated area. As the skin heals and treated layers of skin fall away, the desired results will be revealed. Your Midwest Medical Specialist dermatologist will explain the entire peel process in detail, including what to expect during and after your treatment.

PLEASE NOTE: Cosmetic procedures will not be submitted to insurance.

Hand Rejuvenation

Your hands are out in public 24/7, working hard and getting exposed to just about everything that hastens aging - especially sunlight. As a result, hands show age faster than any part of your body. Midwest Medical Specialists can show you ways to make them appear youthful once again.

Hand rejuvenation treatments can dramatically reduce age spots, treat pre-cancerous growths, and even plump up bony surfaces on the backs of hands.

Treatments offered at MMS include:

Chemical Peel: When applied to the skin on the back of hands, age spots lighten and skin appears less transparent.

Sclerotherapy: Injected into unsightly, raised veins, the sclerotherapy solution irritates the veins, causing them to turn white and gradually disappear.

Microdermabrasion: A skin polishing procedure that essentially "sands" away the outer layer of skin with tiny crystals.

Laser Skin Resurfacing (with Intense Pulse Light): Removes unsightly veins and age spots on the back of the hand using a specific wavelength of light.

Age spots, medically known as lentigos, respond well to laser therapy.
Photo courtesy of: DR P. MARAZZI / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Filler Injections: Help to plump up the skin on the back of the hands and give them a more youthful appearance.

MMS dermatologists focus on keeping up to date on the latest techniques and treatments for hand rejuvenation and would be happy to explore which treatment option or combination of options will work best for the results you want to achieve.

PLEASE NOTE: Cosmetic procedures will not be submitted to insurance.

Fillers

The dermatologists at Midwest Medical Specialists utilize a variety of state-of-the-art fillers to rejuvenate the aging face. We are constantly evaluating and adding new fillers as they are introduced into the marketplace.

Fillers can improve skin texture and stimulate collagen growth from underneath the skin. They are especially useful for reducing the appearance of smile lines, accentuating cheekbones, filling in under eye circles, and revitalizing the lip line. The end result is a smoother, more youthful appearance with minimal "downtime" and maximum safety.

An injection of Restylane ^® or other filler can help reduce the appearance of smile lines.
Photo courtesy of: MICHAEL DONNE / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

The MMS arsenal of age-reversing fillers includes: Sculptra, Restylane, Juvederm, and Radiesse. Botox^® Cosmetic is often used in conjunction with popular fillers after they are injected, to relax specific facial muscles that contribute to wrinkles.

MMS also performs autologous fat transfer (utilizing your fat tissue as filler), under the direction of Dr. Frank Koranda, an expert in the FAMI (Facial Fat Autograft Muscle Injection) technique.

Occasionally, our dermatologists use multiple fillers to achieve the best results. Some fillers provide longer-lasting results; others allow for more precision with fine lines, and still others can gradually bring the face into better balance, creating an overall rejuvenated appearance.

Filler substances do not involve major surgery and are generally cost effective; factors that are encouraging a growing number of MMS patients - both male and female - to turn to these youth-enhancing solutions.

PLEASE NOTE: Cosmetic procedures will not be submitted to insurance.

Facial Skin Rejuvenation

Professional-strength microdermabrasion treatment involves the removal of dead skin cells in small quantities.

A series of microdermabrasion treatments can reduce acne and improve the appearance of aging skin, revealing a more refreshed and youthful appearance.

Microdermabrasion involves specifically designed equipment that applies aluminum oxide crystals (corundum) on the skin. These crystals are composed of a natural, inert mineral that is extremely safe and effective. In addition to exfoliating dead skin cells, the crystals may also stimulate collagen - the substance that strengthens and supports the skin.

The whole microdermabasion process can be as relaxing and refreshing as a luxury facial, beginning with a deep cleansing and ending with the application of a soothing hydrating cream. Microdermabrasion treatments can be performed on the face, neck, back, hands and arms. It is effective in revitalizing dull skin, helping control and reduce acne, and in reducing the appearance of fine lines.

PLEASE NOTE: Cosmetic procedures will not be submitted to insurance.

Thermage

Thermage is a popular treatment for Midwest Medical Specialists' patients because of its non-invasive nature and "no downtime" convenience. It is the only non-invasive procedure that helps tighten and contour your skin in a single treatment - with no surgery, no injections, and little to no downtime.

Thermage can be used on the face/neck, around the eyes, and on the tummy, knees, arms, legs, hands and buttocks. It stimulates your body's natural renewal of collagen, which creates subtle, natural looking results, including:

• Crepey, sagging skin becomes tighter and smoother
• Wrinkles and lines become softer-looking and less noticeable
• Excess or loose skin and even "love handles" are reduced and become tighter

The Thermage wand produces radiofrequency waves that heat the deep layers of skin and stimulate collagen production.

The procedure uses unique radiofrequency (RF) technology to safely heat the deep layers of your skin, while cooling the surface of your skin to keep it intact during the procedure. This deep heating stimulates your body's natural skin renewal process, which helps tighten existing collagen and form new collagen. Over time, sagging or wrinkled skin is replaced with smoother, tighter skin; improved tone and texture; and an overall younger looking appearance.

Before

After

Thermage is very effective at tightening and smoothing jowl lines and sagging skin on the neck; but is equally effective at tightening skin on other parts of the body and face.
Photo courtesy of: THERMAGE.COM/FLOR MAYORAL, M.D.

Thermage treatment lengths vary depending on the body part treated, but typically face areas take around 90 minutes; eyes take about an hour; and body procedures take anywhere from one hour to 90 minutes. Thermage can be performed right in our office. Patients can return to normal activities and even apply makeup immediately after treatment.

PLEASE NOTE: Cosmetic procedures will not be submitted to insurance.