Dermabrasion - Microdermabrasion - Chemical Peel - Scar Treatment/Revision - Pigmentation Treatment - Skin Fitness Program - Skin Cancer Treatment

Dermabrasion removes a layer of surface skin to improve the appearance of facial scarring due to acne, chicken pox, injury or other causes, as well as uneven pigmentation, wrinkles, sun damage, tattoos, age spots and certain kinds of skin lesions. Your skin is frozen, typically with a spray, and then abraded with a high-speed rotary instrument for a dramatically smoother, fresher look. After the procedure it is normal to feel a sensation similar to sunburn for a week or so, at which time most patients are able to return to work. The newly revealed skin will likely appear pinker than usual for two to three months. You should be sure to adequately protect your skin from sunlight following this procedure.

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Microdermabrasion improves mild to moderate sun damage, scarring, wrinkles and other superficial skin problems. A gentle stream of tiny particles exfoliates the outer layer of your skin and provides a fresh, glowing, younger appearance. The particles scrape away the surface layer of aging or damaged skin, which is then brushed off with the microdermabrasion vacuum tool with no need for anesthesia. Only a small amount of skin is removed, so sensitive areas such as the face, chest, neck, arms and hands can be treated. Results are comparable to a light chemical peel and should be immediately visible. Microdermabrasion is often performed in conjunction with other skin renewal procedures, such as laser treatment and chemical peels. Multiple treatments are recommended for full effect. To see microdermabrasion animated, click here.

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Chemical peels remove damaged outer layers of skin on the face to smooth texture, reduce scarring, and remove blemishes and pre-cancerous growths to produce healthy, glowing skin. Peel formulas and strengths are tailored to your particular skin type and needs. Peels can be combined with other procedures such as facelifts for a younger look. They may be covered by insurance if they are performed for medical rather than cosmetic reasons. To see chemical peels animated, click here.

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Each person's skin will scar differently depending on your genetics as well as environmental factors such as smoking and excessive sun exposure, both of which should be avoided. Scars in certain areas may become widened or thickened and in some cases abnormally so. This is called a hypertrophic scar. When scar tissue grows outside of the boundaries of the original incision or injury, it is called a keloid. Several options are available to minimize the appearance of abnormal scarring, from injection of medications to special dressings, to excision and revision of the problematic area. Specifics of your treatment will depend on the individual and the nature of the scar.

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Benign hyperpigmentation of the skin such as “sun spots” can be a situation that is treatable with skin care products. This often occurs as we age and have more exposure to the elements of nature. Areas of darkening should be evaluated to make sure they are not indicative of a more significant problem. With a thorough skin evaluation and ongoing Skin Fitness Plan, benign areas of excessive pigment can be faded and blended into a natural, smooth appearance. On occasion, a chemical peel treatment may be indicated in patients with more severe hyperpigmentation. To see chemical peels animated, click here.

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Dr. Lowenstein has long been a proponent of preventive care. The aging process can be unkind to the exposed areas of the face, with damage seen as lesions, lines, color changes, and loosening of the skin tissue. Early and consistent therapeutic treatment of the skin can delay or improve signs of aging and damage that can be seen as a result of excessive sun and wind exposure. Dr. Lowenstein utilizes medical grade skin care products by Obagi to provide a comprehensive Skin Fitness Plan, individualized to each patient. Like treating your body at the gym, the earlier and more consistently that proper skin care is implemented, the better and longer lasting the results.

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With exposure to the sun and elements, there is a significant increase in the risk and incidence of skin cancer. All lesions that show a change in their nature, particularly bleeding, color changes, or growth, warrant expeditious examination by a physician. Dr. Lowenstein strongly urges all patients to have regular check-ups with a qualified dermatologist to check for suspicious lesions. Skin cancers, when they occur, often require excision. Dermatologists will frequently utilize Mohs micrographic surgery to remove lesions, and sometimes will ask Dr. Lowenstein to help with closure of the resulting wound. Alternatively, some physicians prefer to refer the excision, as well as the closure, to the plastic surgeon. In any case, Dr. Lowenstein is always pleased to help patients resolve these increasingly common skin problems.

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Various types of cosmetic medicine are performed by Dr. Lowenstein in Santa Barbara, conveniently located just a short distance away from Santa Maria, Bakersfield, Ventura, and Thousand Oaks.  Dr. Lowenstein himself performs the vast majority of even the least invasive procedures in order to provide you with the very best treatment and outcome.

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