USF Health Cosmetic & Laser Center
USF Health

Cosmetic Services

The first place to start is with a customized treatment plan for your skin. During this consultation we will take digital photos, determine key concerns and compose a strategy for achieving results. We will provide you with information on the latest technology and answer questions that you have about your skin.

 

 

 

What to expect

  • If light therapy alone, the patient will experience a bright light and warmth for 8-16 minutes.
  • If having light with photosensitizing medication, the skin will be prepped and then medication applied. The photosensitizing medication will incubates in the skin for 30 to 180 minutes. After the incubation, the photosensitizing medication will be activated by BLU-U for 14 to 16 minutes or the Aktilite for 8-10 minutes.

How much downtime?

  • No downtime, if lights alone are used individually or in combination without the photosensitizing medication.
  • Treatment with light in combination with photosensitizing medication will cause slight redness after treatment, which can increase to that of a sunburn over the next day. Sensitivity to light will be increased for 48 hours. Redness and peeling/flaking of skin up to 3-4 days after treatment.

How many treatments are required?
  • Most patients' will need at least eight treatments of light alone to see results or at least 2 to 4 treatments of light with photosensitizing medications. Patient will need to maintain their results by using physician grade products post treatment.

IF USING LEVULAN OR METVIXIA: For the first 48-72 hours YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST avoid all sunlight or bright indoor lighting (especially fluorescent lights). Exposure may result in stinging and/or burning sensation and may cause mild to severe redness, swelling blistering, of the treated areas possibly resulting in scarring and irregular pigmentation. Patients should protect treated areas from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat or similar head covering of light-opaque material. Sunscreens will not protect against photosensitivity reactions caused by bright visible light(bright indoor light). You must apply liberally physical sun-blocking agents containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (Blue Lizard Sensitive SPF 30 or Baby SPF 30 Sunscreen recommended) for the first 48-72 hours. Start by applying the morning after you cleanse the area. Remember sun through window glass can also cause photosensitivity!

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a safe purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium, which reduces the activity of the muscles that cause those unwanted lines between the brows, on the forehead and around the eyes. Botox will diminish lines leaving a smoother, youthful, and refreshed look to the face.
Benefits
  • Effective way to smoothes away fine lines
  • Diminishes the tired look
  • Lasts 3 months

What to Expect
  • Minimal to no pain
  • Minimal to no bruising
  • 4 to 10 days to take effect
Chemical Peel is a term used loosely to describe peeling of the skin usually through the use of chemical acids such as Alpha Hydroxy Acids. There are many different types and strengths of chemical peels. It is very important to the Cosmetic Technicians at USF Health to thoroughly evaluate your skin prior to a chemical peel. This helps determine the best type of peel and strength of peel to achieve the maximum results on your skin.
Our customized facial treatment changes at each appointment with each patient. The facial treatment is designed to address your specific skin needs and concerns such as acne, anti-aging, pigmentation and hydration.
Dermal fillers replace volume loss in the face usually due to aging. Dermal fillers restore the youthful contours and smooth away fine lines. They simply make your skin fit better.
Benefits
  • Results appear instantly
  • Results will last approximately 6-12 months (Depending on the type of filler used and area treated)
  • Restores volume to the face
  • Corrects imperfections

What to Expect
  • Anesthetic or ice for discomfort
  • Treatment time is 30-60 minutes
  • Mild bruising and swelling are possible
  • Make-up can be applied immediately

Dermaplaning is a manual skin exfoliation method that is extremely effective in hydrating the skin and improving tone and texture. Dermaplaning is also good for temporarily removing the fine hair (peach fuzz) on the face.
Laser Genesis utilizes advanced, non-invasive laser technology to safely and effectively treat premature signs of aging, including: fine lines, large pores, uneven skin texture, redness, and scarring. Laser Genesis has been scientifically proven to stimulate new collagen growth by gently heating the skin causing rejuvenation without down time.
Benefits
  • No Down time
  • Minimize large pores
  • Reduce redness
  • Minimize acne

What to Expect
  • Several treatments are necessary
  • Treatments take approximately 30 – 60 minutes
Now men and women alike are making unwanted facial and body hair a thing of the past – thanks to the Cutera® CoolGlide Laser system. Say, “Goodbye!” to painful waxing, electrolysis, or razors. Our laser has been FDA cleared for permanent hair reduction and can treat men and women of all skin types safely and effectively. Determining whether or not you are an ideal candidate for laser hair removal, depends on multiple factors – hair color, thickness and the area treated.
Benefits
  • No more shaving or waxing

What to Expect
  • 5-8 treatments per area
  • Shave prior to treatment
Treatment with the Candela laser varies from patient to patient depending on the age, size and type of tattoo, color of the patient’s skin and depth to which the tattoo or pigment extends beneath the skin’s surface.
In general, these steps will take place:
  • The patient is asked to wear eye protection consisting of an opaque covering or goggles.
  • The skin’s reaction to the laser is tested during the first visit to determine the most effective treatment.
  • Treatment consists of placing a handpiece against the surface of the skin and activating the laser. As many patients describe it, each pulse feels like the snapping of a rubber band against the skin.
  • Smaller tattoos or lesions will require fewer pulses, while larger ones will require more. All tattoos will require retreatments, necessitating multiple patient visits.
  • The Candela system is less painful and requires less recovery time than some other treatment methods. The degree of discomfort varies with each person, depending on his/her pain threshold. Most patients do not require pain management. In some cases, however, depending on the nature and location of the tattoo or lesion, the physician may elect to use some form of anesthetic.
Is it possible to have a tattoo or pigmented lesions treated that was previously treated by another modality?
  • Patients with previously treated tattoos may be candidates for the Candela systems. Tattoos or pigmented lesions that have not been effectively removed by other treatments may respond well to Candela laser therapy, providing prior treatment did not cause excessive scarring or skin damage.
Should certain precautions be taken after treatment?
  • Immediately following treatment, an ice pack may be applied to soothe the treated area. A topical antibiotic cream or ointment is recommended. Care should be taken in the first few days following treatment to avoid scrubbing the area, and abrasive skin cleansers should be avoided. A bandage or patch may help to prevent abrasion of the treated area. During the course of treatment it is recommended that patients cover the area with a sun block that is approved by the treating physician.
Are there any side effects?
  • The Candela laser systems greatly reduce the potential for scarring or changes in skin texture. Patients will experience temporary discoloration or reddening of the skin around the treatment site. Some patients may also experience a temporary lightening or darkening of the skin for a few months following treatment. The skin will typically resolve to normal pigmentation color. It is important to follow the recommendations of the treating physician for proper post-treatment skin care.
Thanks to the latest in laser technology, treating unsightly facial and leg veins no longer requires painful injections. Our Cutera® CoolGlide system safely treats people of all skin types. If you have small facial veins, superficial leg veins (“spider veins”), and hemangiomas (“blood blisters”) then you are an ideal candidate. Large, deep, and knotty varicose veins do not respond as well. We will carefully examine you to help you determine which vessels can be successfully treated and the best course of treatment.
Benefits
  • Rid the skin of unsightly veins

What to Expect
  • Treatment takes approximately 30 minutes
  • Mild bruising can occur lasting 2-4 days
PhotoRejuvenation quickly, safely, and comfortably reduces or eliminates the red and brown discoloration that occurs on the skin from years of excess sun exposure.
Benefits
  • Minimize redness
  • Reduce pigmentation
  • Ideal for face, neck, chest and shoulders
  • Can be combined with other treatments

What to Expect
  • Brown spots will darken and flake off
  • 3-5 treatments for best results
The consultation allows us to evaluate your skin through the Visia skin complexion analyzer and customize a treatment plan for your skin's exact needs. During this consultation we will take digital photos, determine key concerns and compose a strategy for achieving results. We will provide you with information on the latest technology and answer questions that you have about your skin. Our skin consultation is a $75 dollar charge that is refundable back toward a service of $250 or more.

The Cutera® Titan™ procedure gives you an all-natural option to enhance skin tone. Titan uses infrared energy to heat deep down in the skin and tighten your skin. This allows for a more uniform distribution of energy than with other energy sources, such as RF (radio-frequency). Collagen remodeling is long lasting. The most common areas treated are the jaw line, under the chin, arms, and abdomen.
Benefits
  • Stimulates collagen
  • Tighten skin
  • No down time

What to Expect
  • Treatments take 30-60 minutes
  • Combined with Microdermabrasion, chemical peels and solar/photo rejuvenation for maximum results
Total FXTM. The Total FXTM is the newest and most technologically advanced laser for skin resurfacing available to medicine today. The Total FX™ combines two treatments, Active FXTM and Deep FXTM. Active FX targets superficial fine lines and wrinkles and the Deep Fx targets deep lines such as those around the mouth area. These treatments can be done separately or combined to become the Total FX laser treatment. What makes this CO2 laser different from the previous generation is the way in which the laser pulse is delivered. Each procedure involves treating only a fraction of the skin’s surface, leaving “bridges” of untouched skin to aid in the regeneration (healing) process. This vastly reduces the risk of infection and discoloration found with older, traditional CO2 treatments. Bridge Therapy utilizes UltraPulse, the gold standard of CO2 lasers, to deliver a variety of low downtime treatments that can be customized for each patient.
Benefits
  • Minimizes deep wrinkles
  • Dramatically improves skin texture
  • Minimizes acne scarring
  • Eliminates discoloration
  • Remodels collagen
  • Effectively treats skin laxity around the eyes
  • Superior results to any other laser

What to Expect
  • Swelling and redness can last 2-3 days
  • Peeling starts 2 days post treatment
  • You can expect to peel for 2-3 days
  • Redness can last for a few days
  • Make-up can be used to cover redness